Here's what you need to know about Jewish Mahjong:
Mahjong started in 1800s Shanghai but became a huge hit with Jewish women in 1920s America. Why? It gave them their own space to connect, share stories, and build community.
Quick facts about Jewish Mahjong:
- Started by Jewish women in NYC in 1920s
- National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) formed in 1937 with 400 members
- Grew to 35,000 members by 1941
- Today: 400,000+ members and growing
| Feature | Jewish Mahjong | Traditional Chinese Mahjong |
|---|---|---|
| Tiles | 166 (includes jokers) | 144 (no jokers) |
| Rules | NMJL yearly card | Fixed traditional rules |
| Players | Mainly Jewish women | All players |
| Setting | Social gatherings | Casual and competitive |
| Extras | Snacks and conversation | Focus on gameplay |
What makes it special:
- Connects generations of Jewish families
- Weekly gatherings build lasting friendships
- Raises money for charities (25+ organizations)
- Combines Jewish and American culture
Want to play? You'll need:
- Mahjong set (166 tiles)
- Current NMJL card ($15/year)
- 4 players
- A few hours for fun and friendship
The bottom line: Jewish Mahjong isn't just a game - it's a tradition that's brought Jewish women together for over 100 years. And it's still going strong with new players joining through family connections and community centers.
Related video from YouTube
History and Growth
Early Days in America
Joseph Babcock brought Mahjong to America in 1920 after learning it in Shanghai. The game caught on fast with middle-class women, especially in NYC.
Here's what happened:
| Year | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1920 | Mahjong hits U.S. shores |
| 1920-1930 | Game booms alongside Chinese-inspired fashion |
| 1930-1937 | Popularity drops from rule confusion |
| 1937 | NMJL starts to fix rule mess |
The National Mah Jongg League Story
In 1937, 400 women gathered at Manhattan's Essex House hotel with ONE goal: clean up the messy mix of Mahjong rules.
Two women made it happen:
- Dorothy Meyerson: Wrote "That's It", taught free classes at Macy's, and hosted a 1950s TV show about Mahjong
- Viola Cecil: Led NMJL as president, teamed up with Meyerson to spread the game
The results? HUGE. Membership jumped from 400 to 35,000 players by 1941.
Becoming Part of Jewish Life
After WWII, Mahjong found a special place in Jewish communities for three big reasons:
1. Production Changes
Game sets started coming from NYC plastic shops instead of China.
2. Social Connection
Women played while their husbands were at work or serving in the military.
3. Family Tradition
Kids grew up watching their moms and grandmas play, then learned the game themselves.
"By playing an American Chinese game, many Jewish Americans were able to carefully navigate entry into white mainstream culture while still maintaining distinctiveness", - Annelise Heinz, Assistant Professor, University of Oregon
The numbers tell the story: NMJL grew from 35,000 members in 1941 to over 400,000 today. And now? Women in their 20s and 30s are picking up tiles through preschool networks and family connections.
| NMJL Growth |
|---|
| 1941: 35,000 members |
| Today: 400,000+ members |
| Latest trend: Young players joining in |
Jewish Mahjong Gatherings
Mahjong isn't just a game for Jewish women - it's where friendships happen. Players meet up weekly to share tiles, stories, and life's ups and downs across the table.
"It forges relationships and alliances, competition and cooperation. It is rich wine and richer conversation." - Judy Goldstein Trerotola, CJP's Director, Senior Services
These aren't just casual meetups. Women form tight-knit groups that stick together for years, supporting each other through life's big moments.
Game Day Basics
Most groups meet on weekday afternoons or Thursday nights. Here's what that looks like:
| When | What Happens | Why This Time |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Afternoons | Main game time | Kids at school, house is quiet |
| Thursday Evenings | Night games | Works for busy schedules |
| Monthly Rotation | Different hosts | Everyone takes a turn |
The snacks? They're part of the fun:
| Old School Favorites | New School Treats |
|---|---|
| Cold caprese dip | Strawberry wonton cups |
| Dainty cheeseballs | Zesty lemon bars |
| Chinese food delivery | Mixed cocktails |
Some players step up their game with special equipment. The Menschie Mahjong Set ($275) comes with Jewish-themed tiles, while their mats ($65) keep the noise down and tables safe.
"I've heard people describe it as therapy, as a time when you can stop thinking about all your worries." - Annelise Heinz, Author of "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture"
Want to host? Here's what you need:
- Pick a quiet spot
- Set up for exactly 4 players
- Keep snacks close by
- Make sure everyone can see their tiles
Today's Jewish Mahjong
American Jewish Rules
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) runs the show for American Jewish Mahjong. Every August, NMJL members get together and create next year's winning hands.
| NMJL Card Basics | What You Get |
|---|---|
| When It Comes Out | Every January |
| What's Inside | All winning hands + scoring |
| What You Need | 152+ tiles (jokers included) |
| Rule Book | "Mah Jongg Made Easy" (2024) |
Here's the deal: You need to buy new cards each year to play by the rules. And people LOVE it. When NMJL started in 1937, they had a small following. By 1941? Over 35,000 members. That's how fast Jewish women made this game their own.
New Takes on the Game
Jewish Mahjong today? It's the same game you know and love - just with some cool new twists:
| Old School | New School |
|---|---|
| Regular tiles | Jewish designs |
| Complex scoring | Easier rules |
| Heavy tables | Travel-friendly mats |
| Basic stuff | Fancy gear |
Take the Menschie Mahjong Set from Goldielox. It's got:
- 160 tiles with hand-painted details
- Jewish symbols and art
- Made from acrylic
- Comes with playing mats
"This game links me to my family's women and my Jewish heritage - it's as much a part of our culture as bagels and Hava Nagila." - Judy Goldstein Trerotola, CJP's Director, Senior Services
The game's getting bigger. It's not just Jewish women anymore - men play, non-Jewish folks join in. The circle keeps growing, but the Jewish heart? That's still beating strong.
sbb-itb-58c64b4
Connecting Generations
The click-clack of mahjong tiles echoes through Jewish homes, creating a bridge between past and present. Michelle Tishler grew up with these sounds, watching her mother play. Now as an instructor, she shares:
"It was just a great way that a group of women could get together, share the love of the game and share the love of everyone's lives." - Michelle Tishler, Mahjong Enthusiast and Instructor
Here's how families introduce mahjong to different ages:
| Age Group | Learning Method | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Sensory play | Exploring tiles, listening to sounds |
| 2-4 years | Basic games | Finding jokers, sorting tiles |
| 5-7 years | Simple rules | Playing with basic patterns |
| 8-9 years | Guided play | Using Post-its for pattern help |
| 10+ years | Full game | Learning standard rules |
Jewish community centers have become mahjong hubs. The Gordon Jewish Community Center offers programs that bring people together:
| Community Events | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Weekly Games | Regular meetups for players |
| Newcomer Sessions | Helping people make friends |
| Charity Events | Supporting good causes |
| Teaching Programs | Passing on game knowledge |
The game creates instant connections. Jane Weiss found her community through Jewish Federation mahjong events after moving to Nashville. At 96, Eleanor plays three times a week - proof that mahjong keeps minds sharp and friendships strong.
"This love is passed down, as we say so often in Jewish tradition, from one generation to the next — l'dor v'dor." - Fern Bernstein, Author
Some families add personal touches with custom sets. The Menschie Mahjong Set ($275) from Goldielox features Jewish symbols, making family game nights extra special.
"I've heard people describe it as therapy, as a time when you can stop thinking about all your worries." - Annelise Heinz, Author of "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture"
What You Need to Play
Let's break down everything you need for Jewish Mahjong:
| Must-Have Items | What's Inside |
|---|---|
| Mahjong Set (166 tiles) | 36 Dots, 36 Bams, 36 Cracks, 16 Winds, 12 Dragons, 8 Flowers, 8 Jokers, 4 Blanks |
| NMJL Cards | Current year's hands and scoring |
| 4 Racks & Pushers | To organize and move tiles |
| 2 Dice | To pick who starts |
| Playing Mat | Makes play smoother (but not required) |
The Menschie Mahjong Set ($275) puts a Jewish spin on the game with 160 hand-painted tiles. But any standard American mahjong set works just fine. Here's what comes in the box:
| Tile Type | How Many | What They Are |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | 108 | 3 suits with numbers 1-9 (4 of each) |
| Winds | 16 | North, East, South, West (4 each) |
| Dragons | 12 | Green, Red, White/Soap (4 each) |
| Flowers | 8 | Special tiles you can swap |
| Jokers | 8 | Wild cards to fill in gaps |
Game Styles
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) has set the rules for American Jewish Mahjong since 1937. Here's how different versions stack up:
| Style | Tiles | Main Differences |
|---|---|---|
| American | 166 | Uses NMJL cards, jokers allowed |
| Chinese | 144 | No jokers, Chinese characters |
| Tournament | 166 | Strict NMJL rules |
| Home Games | 166 | More relaxed rules |
Setting up is simple:
- Put tiles face down in the middle
- Make walls 19 tiles long, 2 tiles high
- Set up racks with pushers facing away
- Keep those NMJL cards where everyone can see them
Keeping Traditions Alive
Playing mahjong does more than just pass time - it connects Jewish families across generations. Let's look at how this game brings people together.
| Connection Type | How Mahjong Helps |
|---|---|
| Family History | Players share stories while using sets passed down through generations |
| Social Bonds | Weekly games create close friendships |
| Knowledge Transfer | Experienced players guide beginners |
| Community Building | Games happen at JCCs and homes |
Here's what Michelle Tishler from the Gordon Jewish Community Center says about it:
"It was just a great way that a group of women could get together, share the love of the game and share the love of everyone's lives."
Most people start playing because of family. When you sit down for a game, you're not just moving tiles - you're sharing stories and keeping Jewish history alive. Want to make it even more Jewish? The Menschie Mahjong Set ($275) comes with Jewish-themed tiles.
The game keeps changing with the times. During COVID-19, players jumped online to keep their games going. But nothing beats sitting around a table together.
| New School | Old School |
|---|---|
| Online games | Real tiles |
| Video calls | Home games |
| Digital scoring | Paper NMJL cards |
| Group chats | In-person chat |
Annelise Heinz, who wrote "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture", puts it this way:
"Mahjong has been described as therapy, as a time when you can stop thinking about all your worries."
The National Mah Jongg League updates the rules each year but keeps the basics the same. This balance helps mahjong stay fresh while keeping its heart - perfect for passing down to the next generation of Jewish players.
Wrap-Up
Mahjong's journey from Chinese tables to Jewish-American homes shows how a game can shape a community. Just look at Eleanor - at 96, she still plays three times every week.
| Impact Area | Then (1920s-1930s) | Now (2020s) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Focus | Refugee aid | 25+ charitable organizations |
| Playing Style | Only in-person | Mix of online and in-person |
| Player Base | Jewish women | Expanding to men and non-Jewish players |
| Learning Method | Mother to daughter | Multi-generational groups |
The National Mah Jongg League started in 1937 when a group of Jewish women came together. They didn't just create rules - they built a giving network. What began as support for Jewish refugees has grown into funding for over 25 charities.
"It is an indelible strand that binds women of every generation to the one before it." - Judy Goldstein Trerotola, CJP's Director, Senior Services
Here's what makes mahjong special: It builds bridges between generations. Take Elissa Meth Kestin - when her grandmother's regular game group disbanded after a move, Elissa learned to play. Now they share more than just tiles - they share time together.
| Game Benefits | Community Impact |
|---|---|
| Stress relief | Charity support |
| Family bonding | Cross-generational connections |
| Weekly socializing | Community building |
| Shared memories | Heritage preservation |
"The game became strongly associated with middle class culture." - Annelise Heinz, Author of "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture"
From Shanghai to suburban America, mahjong keeps doing what it does best - bringing people together. Sure, COVID-19 pushed games online. But players can't wait to get back to in-person matches. Because at its heart, mahjong isn't just about winning - it's about the people across the table.
FAQs
Why do a lot of Jews play mahjong?
Mahjong became more than just a game for Jewish women in America - it turned into a way to connect their Jewish and American identities. Here's what Annelise Heinz, who wrote "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture", says about it:
"Mah jongg in America created economic and cultural change, and for many Jewish women, it served as a symbol of both cultural identity and assimilation."
The game has been part of Jewish-American life for nearly 100 years:
| Time Period | Role in Jewish Community |
|---|---|
| 1920s-1930s | Support for refugees |
| 1937 | Formation of National Mah Jongg League |
| 1950s-1960s | Women's social gatherings |
| Present | Multi-generational bonding |
Why is mahjong so popular with Jews?
Mahjong took off in the 1950s and 60s because it gave Jewish women their OWN space. While men had their pinochle games, women used mahjong meetups to talk about life and support each other.
Here's how different card games split along gender lines:
| Activity | Gender Association |
|---|---|
| Mahjong | Women's game |
| Pinochle | Men's game |
| Bridge | Mixed participation |
Heinz explains it best:
"In the 1950s and 60s, one of the reasons why it spread so widely was that it was exclusively a game for women to connect with each other. It wasn't like bridge, but about sharing experiences of young motherhood, for example."