The Tang Dynasty was a time of great prosperity in China. By some estimates, the size of the population increased to 300 million people. The empire expanded its physical boundaries, too, stretching south to Vietnam and west into the Stans. Tang rule lasted from 617 to 907, a time known to Europe [...]

“Are you Jews?”

“What?”

“You and your husband, are you Jews?”

“I’m Jewish, but my husband isn’t. Why do you ask?”

I was very surprised the first time I had this conversation with a Chinese person. It is not unusual for other Americans to guess that I’m Jewish. The hair and the nose usually give it [...]