At the Table
A mahjong festival fills a New York museum this weekend
The Museum of Jewish Heritage hosts a two-day American mahjong festival June 28 and 29, with classes, a tournament, and panels on the game's history.
A large American mahjong festival lands at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan this weekend, June 28 and 29, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The report says the two days include classes for players at every level, a Day-2 tournament, panel discussions on the game's history and its recent popularity, specialty vendors, and a free lunch from a food truck both days.
Per JTA, the festival is organized by 70 Faces Media along with Kveller and the founders of Modern Mahjong, Dara Collins and Donna Kassman. The article lists speakers including Amy Albertson, Sara Loffman of the Challah Back Girls, and instructor Sokie Lee. JTA reports that Day 1 sold out, while tickets for the Day-2 tournament were still available as of publication.
The coverage leans on the game's American origins, noting that the National Mah Jongg League was founded in 1937 by Jewish women who standardized the rules and created the familiar tri-fold card. The play on offer is American, NMJL-style mahjong.
Prim's note: Order of the Tile is not affiliated with the festival or its organizers and is not involved in the event. We share it as one more sign of where the American game is gathering this summer.