Episode Details

In this episode, we shuffle the tiles and uncover the surprisingly rich cultural connection between Jews and mahjong—a game that somehow leapt from Qing-era China into American Jewish living rooms and became a beloved staple of sisterhoods, summer camps, and Sunday afternoons. We'll explore how mahjong became a social ritual, a fundraiser favorite, and even a quiet form of community building for generations of Jewish women. From the clack of the tiles to the art of the meld, we'll trace the history, the humor, and the enduring charm of this unlikely cultural match. Pull up a seat—the game is about to begin.