The first began in the 1800s, with the arrival of Jewish businessmen from West Asia, mainly Baghdad. A unique Jewish community once thrived in Shanghai, where Jews had worked since the opening of Chinas largest treaty port in 1842.

Shanghai was once home to over 20,000 fleeing Nazi persecution from Europe during World War II. The numbers may have dwindled over the years as they left to begin lives in other countries, but their legacy to the city goes on.

This synagogue has recently been renovated after years of neglect dating back to World War II. Prior to that war, this was the center of an active and wealthy Jewish community in Shanghai, made up primarily of Russian Jews escaping Hitlers Germany.

These days around 1000 Jews live in Shanghai with up to 50,000 Jews a year visiting the city.

Today, there is still much to see including the Ohel Rachel Synagogue which, while not in active use was the main synagogue forSephardi Jews. These days the shul is only open several times a year for special ceremonies. One of only two synagogues still standing in Shanghai, the $60,000 restoration includes new marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and other additions. City officials and citizens now consider the site a symbol of religious tolerance and acceptance.

In 2002, it was listed as one of the worlds 100 most endangered sites and since then there have been attempts to restore it so it can serve not just as a synagogue but also as a museum commemorating Jewish and Chinese relations.