INTRODUCTION:

What began in China in the mid 1800’s as a primarily male oriented gambling game has emerged as a strong facet of Jewish community building. This beloved game is enjoying a resurgence among 20-30’s today. Maj Jongg is part strategy, part skill, part luck, and very competitive. Once you learn to play, it can be addictive, and can serve as a welcoming game for everyone, regardless of introvert and extrovert tendencies. This program teaches about the history of Mah Jongg, how it became a popular game in Jewish circles, while offering your community a fun few hours. 

MATERIALS:

• Mah Jongg set 
• Mah Jongg card 
• Snacks 
• Table for play 
• Instructions for play 
• History of Mah Jongg resource sheet 

*** The 2026 Maj Jongg card will be playable beginning April 1^st. It can usually be purchased on Amazon as well. The official card says that it cannot be photocopied and shared so go with that. But… a little birdie tells me that if you were on a Moishe House tight budget; color photocopies have been able to be used “for the sake of teaching.” 😊 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (2 hours):

• [part one] Introduction of Mah Jongg history (15 minutes)
• [part two] Rules and teaching of game (20 minutes)
• [part three] Play (1 hour)

Part One: Introduction of Mah Jongg history 

• Using the Mah Jongg resource sheet, spend a few minutes talking about the history of the game and how it came to be associated with Jewish circles. Topics for discussion involve intersectionality of race, gender, religion, Jewish social circles history, cultural appropriation and familial connections to Maj Jongg. 

Part Two: Rules and teaching of game

• Using the attached rules, teach the names of the tiles, basic strategy, rules for play. Once the majority have a sense of how to play, begin an open hand and practice following the lines to win. 

Part Three: Play

• Snacking can be a part of Mah Jongg. Finger foods and foods that are quick to munch on are popular.  
• Begin playing games of mahj. You can swap players in so that everyone gets a chance to play. You can also pair people up so that 8 people or more can play on a game.  
• If people want to play more frequently, you can play 2 person where both people play 2 lines, or 3 player, where “Elijah” is the open, un-played wall.  
• There are a few online sites where players can practice between games. Real Mahj is one of the most popular.