“Cultivating virtue”, whispered a man, his words barely audible amidst the city’s clamor. He stood before the intricate façade of the Pui Tak Center, a hint of reverence in his eyes. The Pui Tak Center. It’s a name that echoes with a history far richer than its unassuming exterior might suggest. Originally known as the On Leong Merchants Association Building, its story began not with faith, but with commerce. Built in 1928, the Pui Tak Center served as a beacon for the Chinese community in Chicago. It wasn’t just a building. It was a “city hall”, a refuge where new immigrants could find support, solace, and a connection to their heritage. Imagine a young family, newly arrived from China, stepping through these doors in the 1930s. They find a bustling hub of activity, classrooms buzzing with the sounds of English being painstakingly learned, a school offering familiarity in a foreign land. But the Pui Tak Center’s journey hasn’t been without its shadows. In 1988, it was raided, its reputation tarnished by accusations of illicit activities. Yet, like a phoenix, it rose again. Purchased by the Chinese Christian Union Church, it underwent a transformation, its purpose renewed. Today, the Pui Tak Center still serves its community, a testament to resilience and the enduring power of unity. As you stand before the Pui Tak Center, remember its legacy. It’s a story of change, of challenges overcome, and of a community’s enduring spirit woven into the very fabric of its being.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one