(JTA) — Offering a window into Jewish communities throughout the globe, on the bottom — from European metropolises to extra remoted outposts — has all the time been a part of the Jewish Telegraphic Company’s mission.

This 12 months, our reporters ventured into locations the place Jews and Jewish life are in danger, together with Ukraine — the place we despatched a number of reporters — and Ethiopia. Additionally they headed to locations the place Jewish life is vibrant and colourful, from the southernmost area of South America to the melting pot of Paris. They even discovered thrilling Jewish tales in locations with few Jews, akin to Guyana.

Listed here are 10 tales that took JTA readers off the crushed path in 2022. To observe alongside in 2023, be sure to join our weekly Across the World publication.

Yilan, Taiwan

A Taiwanese dance instructor practices Israeli people dance in Yilan, Taiwan. (Jordyn Haime)

Folks dance is a nationwide pastime in Taiwan — and Israeli songs are an enormous a part of that custom. Why? Our correspondent investigated.

Venice, Italy

A guard climbs stairs by the doorway to the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, or former Jewish Ghetto, in Venice. (Orge Castellano)

The town’s former Jewish ghetto, which grew to become considered one of Europe’s main Jewish cultural facilities, is badly in want of renovations. Our reporter strolled by it, hitting candy retailers, historic synagogues and artisanal craft shops alongside the best way, displaying that it’s nonetheless a hub of Jewish life.

Guyana

Andrea de Caires, left, proven together with her husband Salvador, is considered one of two identified Jews within the English-speaking nation. (Courtesy of de Caires)

No less than two Jews dwell on this tiny English-speaking South American nation, and each of their tales seize the dynamics that outline the nation.

Irshava, Ukraine

Akivah Artamonov clasps his prayer equipment whereas having espresso on the Jewish refugee camp in Irshava, Ukraine, April 5, 2022. (Cnaan Liphshiz)

Our former European correspondent visited a Jewish refugee hub for folks fleeing the conflict’s violence within the east. It occurred to be located in a former 4-star resort.

Uman, Ukraine

Hasidic pilgrims.

The joyous gatherings of Hasidic pilgrims have gone on as deliberate in Uman, Ukraine, for individuals who made the journey into the war-torn nation. (David Saveliev)

Later within the 12 months, for Rosh Hashanah, 1000’s of Jewish pilgrims visited the grave of a revered rabbi on this small metropolis as ordinary, regardless of wartime restrictions. The occasion went on (virtually) as deliberate.

San Martín de los Andes, Argentina

Claudio Ploit seen holding a Torah scroll with members of the San Martin de los Andes Jewish neighborhood. (Gustavo Castaign/ Courtesy Comunidad Hebrea San Martin de los Andes)

Patagonia is called probably the most breathtakingly lovely locations on earth. This 12 months, a brand new synagogue arrange store within the Argentine a part of the expansive area for the primary time in many years.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ayanawo Ferada Senebato, proper, and his household proven in Ashkelon, Israel, holding an historic Orit e book that they retrieved close to Gondar, Ethiopia, in February 2022. (Yossi Zeliger)

After they flew out of this nation for Israel three many years in the past, Askabo Meshiha’s household left a useful Jewish textual content behind. Right here’s the story of how they risked every thing to get it again.

Paris, France

bowl of couscous

Mabrouk serves “Sephardic dishes with a contemporary French twist.” (Cnaan Liphshiz)

North African delicacies has been trending for years within the French capital. However Mabrouk could be the solely outspokenly Jewish participant within the culinary new wave, with a menu that displays the habits and sensibilities of North African Jews.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Punta del Este, Uruguay.

A view of the seashore in Punta del Este, Uruguay. (Mariana Suarez/AFP through Getty Pictures)

This coastal oasis is a trip hotspot, however it’s rising a year-round Jewish neighborhood as a result of a wide range of socioeconomic elements.

Budapest, Hungary

College students and college attend a commencement ceremony at Milton Friedman College in Budapest, Hungary, July 23, 2019. (Courtesy of Milton Friedman College)

Half an hour up the Danube River from town’s heart sits a small campus that appears on the surface like a traditional European college, with college students picnicking and smoking exterior. However Milton Friedman College, named for the Jewish Nobel Prize-winning economist, has ambitions to turn out to be a serious hub of Jewish-themed scholarship.