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Read the press release here.

Play Mah Jongg for Hours At The Museum of Jewish Heritage

By Irene Plagianos | November 28, 2014 3:45pm | Updated on December 1, 2014 8:28am
 The Mah Jongg Marathon, on Dec. 7, raises funds for the museum.
Mah Jongg Marathon
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FINANCIAL DISTRICT — For this marathon, you’ll need stamina, skills — and a bunch of tiles.

Project Mah Jongg returns to the Museum of Jewish Heritage for a fundraising marathon of the Chinese tile game that became a massively popular piece of social life for American Jewish communities, especially suburban women, in the 1950s.

This is the museum's fourth-annual marathon of the game, which involves 144 tiles, a lot of strategy and usually some time to gossip. Project Mah Jongg started as an exhibit at the museum several years ago, exploring the history of the game, and its social importance to Jewish women. The exhibit and marathon now travel the country.

“It was the perfect complement to women's gatherings and fundraisers, and it quickly became a fixture in the Jewish communal world,” Project Mah Jongg wrote in a statement.”Mah jongg became an entertainment ritual in suburban Jewish homes — where it has been lovingly transfixed in the memories of the contemporary generation.”

The marathon, on Dec. 7, starts with a talk by the project curator about the history of the game, which first came to America from China in the 1920s.

If bought in advance, tickets are $36, or $54 with a kosher lunch. Day-of tickets are $72 or $100 with lunch. Players may register alone or with a team, and will be divided by experience level. The marathon will last from noon to 5 p.m., but participants don't have to play for the full time.

For more information, head here, contact mahjongg@mjhnyc.org or call 646-437-4320. All proceeds benefit the museum, located at 36 Battery Pl.