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Approximately 150 youth and adult members of the Tokyo Japan South Stake (English) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in person at the Jewish Community of Japan Synagogue on May 17, 2026. Additional participants joined by broadcast from across Japan to learn about Jewish culture, traditions, and faith.
The Tokyo Japan South Stake (English) includes English-speaking members of the Church located throughout Japan, representing a diverse, international congregation. The May 17 visit brought together participants from across the stake’s units in a shared interfaith learning experience.
The Jewish Community of Japan Synagogue, located a 20-minute walk from the Church’s Tokyo Japan Temple in Tokyo’s Hiroo district, serves as a central hub for Jewish life in the country. Established in 1953, it supports a small but vibrant and internationally diverse community by providing religious services, educational opportunities, and cultural and social programs. The community regularly welcomes visitors and offers opportunities to learn about Jewish traditions and practices.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Hosted by Rabbi Andrew Scheer, who has led the community since 2020, participants were introduced to the history and design of the synagogue and to key aspects of Jewish worship and daily religious life.
Rabbi Scheer spoke about the importance of Shabbat (the Sabbath) as a sacred time set apart each week for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal, strengthening both individuals and families. He said, "Shabbat is the most important Jewish ‘holiday’ because it is our anchor. All other holidays hold significance, but none compares to the weekly worship of God."
He also explained the role of the mikveh, a ritual bath used in Jewish practice as a symbol of spiritual renewal and purification, highlighting its significance in marking important moments of faith and commitment.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
In addition, Rabbi Scheer described the annual cycle of Torah reading. The Torah—comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible—is traditionally handwritten in Hebrew on parchment made from the skins of kosher animals and is treated with great reverence in Jewish worship. During the visit, Rabbi Scheer read a portion of the Ten Commandments in Hebrew and then shared the English translation, allowing participants to hear the language of the original text and better understand its meaning.
When the community completes the reading of the Torah, he explained, it is a time of joyful celebration and gratitude. Rather than marking an endpoint, the occasion looks forward to beginning the cycle again—reflecting a continual commitment to learning and devotion.
For many participants, the visit provided meaningful context as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the Old Testament this year through the Church’s Come, Follow Me program. Learning directly from Jewish tradition offered a deeper appreciation for the scriptural heritage shared across faiths. Both faith traditions share a love of sacred writ and encourage learning through open dialogue.
Leaders expressed appreciation for the Jewish Community of Japan’s warm hospitality and for the opportunity for youth and adults across Japan to connect with living traditions that relate to their own study of scripture.
The visit was made possible through the friendship of Rabbi Scheer and Justin and April Cook, whose families helped foster the connection between the two communities. The experience highlighted the value of interfaith friendship and the shared desire among people of faith to honor God, strengthen families, and live lives of purpose and service.