Almost exactly a century ago, America went wild for mah jongg. But how did a Chinese game that swept the country in the 1920s later become an enduring American Jewish tradition? In this talk, Carla Naumburg will explore mah jongg’s arrival in the United States and the generations of Jewish women who helped shape, sustain, and pass down American mah jongg—from founding the National Mah Jongg League to playing summer games in the Catskills, organizing fundraisers in the suburbs, and carrying the game into today’s vibrant revival.

Carla Naumburg is the author of six non-fiction books, including the forthcoming The Book of Jewish Everything: The Real Spiel on History, Holidays, and Life Today (Workman Kids, 2027). Carla founded the Mah Jongg Minyan Facebook group and she teaches American Mah Jongg in the western suburbs of Boston. Special thanks to GoldieLox for their generous support of this program.

This talk will be accessible both in-person and online over zoom with a recording sent to all registrants available until December 31, 2026.

Raffle

We are raffling off a set of GoldieLox mah jongg tiles and racks to all U.S. based participants. You have the option to purchase raffle tickets both at the time of registration and leading up to 1 day before the event.

You may purchase as many raffle tickets as you wish. Raffle tickets are limited to event participants only, however purchase of raffle tickets is not necessary in order to register for the event.

Winner must be present at the event either in-person or on Zoom. The GoldieLox mah jongg set will be available for local pickup only or shipping within the continental United States.

Pictured: GoldieLox Menschie® Mahjong Set

Questions? Please contact us at info@mayyimhayyim.org or 617-244-1836 x212