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RELIGION AND CUSTOM

Today, members of the community are engaged in a variety of occupations. The centre of their religious and cultural activities is the Sikh Temple at 371 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island. A special feature of the temple, which was established in 1901, is the provision of free meals and short-term accommodation for overseas visitors of any faith.

Religious services, which include hymn-singing, readings from the Guru Granth (the Sikh Holy Book) and sermons by the priest, are held every Sunday morning. The temple houses a library containing a good selection of books on the Sikh religion and culture, and runs a 'starters' school for Indian children aged between four and six to prepare them for English primary schools in Hong Kong.

The main holy days and festivals observed by the Sikh community are the birthdays of Guru Nanak (founder of the faith), Guru Gobind Singh (the 10th Guru) and Baisakhi (the birthday of all Sikhs).

The Jewish Community

Hong Kong's Jewish community dating from the 1840s, comprises families from various parts of the world and worships at three main congregations. Daily services are held at the Ohel Leah Synagogue (orthodox), and sabbath and festival services at the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong (reform) both in Robinson Road, Hong Kong Island. Daily services are also held at the Chabad Lubavitch based in the Furama Hotel, Central.

The synagogue was built in 1901 on land given by Sir Jacob Sassoon and his family and includes a Mikvah (ritual bath). There is also a Jewish Cemetery, at Happy Valley.

The site adjoining the Ohel Leah Synagogue, now containing a residential complex, also houses the Jewish Community Centre which serves all three congregations. The Centre offers its 710 member families supervised kosher dining and banquet, cultural and recreational facilities as well as a specialist library covering all aspects of Judaica.

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