Kindness in Hong Kong
Paul Simon sang, "Michigan seems like a dream to me now". Replace the word, "Michigan" with "Hong Kong". Yes, Hong Kong seems like a dream to me now.
I recently sojourned to Hong Kong for five days . It was the week of Pessach (Passover). I brought matzah, macaroons and matzah ball mix with me as gifts to my hosts. Yes, I know that sounds a bit strange but my hosts were (are) Christian "believers" who strongly support Israel and the Jews. No, this was not an exodus from Egypt nor a journey through the desert however in many ways it was most certainly another test of my faith and devotion as a Jew in today's world. (Please see an important note at the end of this blog post).
Here is the story....
The purpose of my visit to Hong Kong was to submit my application to the Korean Embassy for an E-6 visa. In order to change one's visa status in Korea it is necessary to apply from outside of the country. Any country outside of Korea would do as long as there was a Korean embassy there. I considered Japan or a longer combined trip to visit in Israel. Timing was not working out. So, at the recommendation of my sponsor off to Hong Kong went I. Why not? I've never been there so this would be an opportunity for another travel adventure.
The E-6 visa allows me to work legally in Korea in the entertainment industry. YES! As incredible as it sounds I have been signed on as an actor/model/musician with a Korean entertainment agency, DXD Entertainment. I will write about this in a separate blog.
I flew Air India from Seoul's Incheon airport to Hong Kong's International airport. The flight was about three hours and forty minutes. There was time to relax, watch a movie and be treated to delicious Indian food for lunch. I highly recommend Air India. In addition to the food the staff was kind, friendly and courteous. I was pleasantly surprised to note that most of the flight attendants were older and closer to my age!
Prior to leaving Korea I had learned by way of the Israeli grapevine about a place called "Beit Simcha":
This was an absolute godsend. I will note that there are people around the world who feel a great love for Jews and Israel. Although, for me personally, receiving their kindness feels a bit awkward I am nevertheless very grateful to have learned about, met the hosts and spent my time in Hong Kong under their very generous wings. So I want to personally give a shout out and grand THANK YOU to: Shuk, Maria, Amy, Suki, Janice and Mark for everything. They gave of their hearts and souls extending a helping hand.
I was met at the airport and escorted to a lovely apartment where we stayed. They provided me with food, accommodation, transportation, accompanied me to the Korean embassy and guided me all around the city to the "must see" places as well as some personal favorite local places. Honestly had it not been for these wonderful people I probably would have rested in a hostel for a few days not seeing much of anything. I can't speak more highly of Beit Simcha and its membership (as well as those who provide financial support to keep it running!).
The photos below are of the wonderful people who hosted me. If you'd like to enjoy the tour of Hong Kong please click HERE to access my photo album. The places we toured included:
Stanley Island (Stanley is Chinese for the "red pole" - - a marker on the island where the British landed). Hong Kong's History museum, Hong Kong Park, Flower Street, Bird Street, rode the ferry, rode the tram, spent time in the financial building, the "Peak", and so much more!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
I would like to point out that the hosts, who are very enthusiastic and love and support of Israel and the Jews, are very devoted Messianics; they very strongly believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that we all should accept this theology as so - perhaps and especially that we Jews should accept and believe this as the "truth" and the "way".
Believe me I am not one to reckon with when it comes to questioning my faith as a Jew, who Jews are and what we actually believe.
We engaged in much discussion, exchanging ideas about our theologies and practices. I pointed out that Jews who become "believers", who accept Jesus as the Messiah and practice as such, are no longer considered Jewish. Rather, they have now essentially converted to Christianity despite their birth to Jewish parents.
This is a pivotal point and point of disagreement in our understanding of our faith. On this point, after numerous attempts by all of us to explain why this is so (or not so) we had to agree to disagree.
If you would like to delve further into the differences between Jews and Messianic believers I highly recommend visiting this website: Jews for Judaism.
I am pointing this out because, while I am very grateful for the service my hosts provide, I feel it is necessary to let other Jews and Israelis know that they will be hosted by wonderful people. However the strong desire that we all believe as they do can be difficult for some.
For the record, I do not condone proselytizing and missionaries in any form. I will happily engage in discussions where we share information and satisfy curiosity. I encourage you to believe and practice whatever theology you feel works for you as long as it is not harmful to anyone. DO NOT impose your beliefs on others and expect them to convert to your religious practice. This IS harmful!!!
I recently sojourned to Hong Kong for five days . It was the week of Pessach (Passover). I brought matzah, macaroons and matzah ball mix with me as gifts to my hosts. Yes, I know that sounds a bit strange but my hosts were (are) Christian "believers" who strongly support Israel and the Jews. No, this was not an exodus from Egypt nor a journey through the desert however in many ways it was most certainly another test of my faith and devotion as a Jew in today's world. (Please see an important note at the end of this blog post).
Here is the story....
The purpose of my visit to Hong Kong was to submit my application to the Korean Embassy for an E-6 visa. In order to change one's visa status in Korea it is necessary to apply from outside of the country. Any country outside of Korea would do as long as there was a Korean embassy there. I considered Japan or a longer combined trip to visit in Israel. Timing was not working out. So, at the recommendation of my sponsor off to Hong Kong went I. Why not? I've never been there so this would be an opportunity for another travel adventure.
The E-6 visa allows me to work legally in Korea in the entertainment industry. YES! As incredible as it sounds I have been signed on as an actor/model/musician with a Korean entertainment agency, DXD Entertainment. I will write about this in a separate blog.
I flew Air India from Seoul's Incheon airport to Hong Kong's International airport. The flight was about three hours and forty minutes. There was time to relax, watch a movie and be treated to delicious Indian food for lunch. I highly recommend Air India. In addition to the food the staff was kind, friendly and courteous. I was pleasantly surprised to note that most of the flight attendants were older and closer to my age!
Prior to leaving Korea I had learned by way of the Israeli grapevine about a place called "Beit Simcha":
Welcome to Beit Simcha Hong Kong
We love Israel and the Jewish people!
We want to meet Israeli friends and build the bridge of friendship between Hong Kong and Israel.
We are happy to host Israeli friends, and also hope you will feel at home. A home away from home!
We want to meet Israeli friends and build the bridge of friendship between Hong Kong and Israel.
We are happy to host Israeli friends, and also hope you will feel at home. A home away from home!
✔ Provide a bed for free.
✔ Cook & Eat together, especially Chinese and Israel food, also international cuisine.
✔ Be a friend of local people to share culture, language, traveling, faith and daily life.
✔ Provide tips for sight-seeing in HK or explore various scenic spots together.
✔ Let us know your idea!
✔ Cook & Eat together, especially Chinese and Israel food, also international cuisine.
✔ Be a friend of local people to share culture, language, traveling, faith and daily life.
✔ Provide tips for sight-seeing in HK or explore various scenic spots together.
✔ Let us know your idea!
This was an absolute godsend. I will note that there are people around the world who feel a great love for Jews and Israel. Although, for me personally, receiving their kindness feels a bit awkward I am nevertheless very grateful to have learned about, met the hosts and spent my time in Hong Kong under their very generous wings. So I want to personally give a shout out and grand THANK YOU to: Shuk, Maria, Amy, Suki, Janice and Mark for everything. They gave of their hearts and souls extending a helping hand.
I was met at the airport and escorted to a lovely apartment where we stayed. They provided me with food, accommodation, transportation, accompanied me to the Korean embassy and guided me all around the city to the "must see" places as well as some personal favorite local places. Honestly had it not been for these wonderful people I probably would have rested in a hostel for a few days not seeing much of anything. I can't speak more highly of Beit Simcha and its membership (as well as those who provide financial support to keep it running!).
The photos below are of the wonderful people who hosted me. If you'd like to enjoy the tour of Hong Kong please click HERE to access my photo album. The places we toured included:
Stanley Island (Stanley is Chinese for the "red pole" - - a marker on the island where the British landed). Hong Kong's History museum, Hong Kong Park, Flower Street, Bird Street, rode the ferry, rode the tram, spent time in the financial building, the "Peak", and so much more!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
I would like to point out that the hosts, who are very enthusiastic and love and support of Israel and the Jews, are very devoted Messianics; they very strongly believe that Jesus is the Messiah and that we all should accept this theology as so - perhaps and especially that we Jews should accept and believe this as the "truth" and the "way".
Believe me I am not one to reckon with when it comes to questioning my faith as a Jew, who Jews are and what we actually believe.
We engaged in much discussion, exchanging ideas about our theologies and practices. I pointed out that Jews who become "believers", who accept Jesus as the Messiah and practice as such, are no longer considered Jewish. Rather, they have now essentially converted to Christianity despite their birth to Jewish parents.
This is a pivotal point and point of disagreement in our understanding of our faith. On this point, after numerous attempts by all of us to explain why this is so (or not so) we had to agree to disagree.
If you would like to delve further into the differences between Jews and Messianic believers I highly recommend visiting this website: Jews for Judaism.
I am pointing this out because, while I am very grateful for the service my hosts provide, I feel it is necessary to let other Jews and Israelis know that they will be hosted by wonderful people. However the strong desire that we all believe as they do can be difficult for some.
For the record, I do not condone proselytizing and missionaries in any form. I will happily engage in discussions where we share information and satisfy curiosity. I encourage you to believe and practice whatever theology you feel works for you as long as it is not harmful to anyone. DO NOT impose your beliefs on others and expect them to convert to your religious practice. This IS harmful!!!
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