The Jews of Cuba

Youth of the Patronato Jewish Community Center, Havana

Contents

Photos

Welcome to the internet's most comprehensive website on Cuban Judaism. Judaism in Cuba, like other religions there, was severely restricted for almost three decades. Now it is being rebuilt by the ten percent of the Jewish population which remained after the "revolution."

As individual congregations struggle for survival with only a remnant of their former population, new strains are put upon them as some families leave for Israel. Can Judaism in Cuba survive? Ten years ago only a tentative "yes" could be given, but now, with the support of Jewish communities from around the world, Judaism in Cuba grows stronger each year.

Our original intent in developing this website, to promote individual involvement in the rebirth of Judaism in Cuba, has been the same during our eight years online.

Would you like to get involved in helping rebuild Judaism in Cuba?
The organizations featured below will show you how to do it.
(These links open in separate browser windows.)

Cuba-America
Jewish Mission

B'nai B'rith's Cuban
Jewish Relief Project

CORRESPONDENCE FROM CNN'S STEVE KASTENBAUM
(Below is the text of an e-mail received from Steve Kastenbaum, September 17, 2008.)

My name is Steve Kastenbaum and I’m a reporter with CNN Radio based out of New York. My father’s family has roots in Havana and I went down to Cuba to do some reporting over the summer. I used your website as a resource and I wound up filing some reports on my family history and the Jewish community in Havana. I thought the stories would be of interest to visitors to your site. Below are links to the text and a slide show CNN's website.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/08/20/cuba.roots/index.html?iref=newssearch#cnnSTCText

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/08/20/cuba.roots/index.html?iref=newssearch#cnnSTCOther1

Thank you,

Steve Kastenbaum talks with Salomon Leyderman
outside the Adath Israel synagogue in Havana, Cuba.

Steve Kastenbaum

CNN Radio New York Correspondent

..............................

Thanks, Steve, and CNN, for letting us use this material.

This website attempts to remain politically neutral and to focus on the rebirth of Judaism in Cuba.
Different opinions and perceptions, however, are presented.

Updated September 2008

Traveling to Cuba? Check out our updated information	Synagogues in Cuba: List of contacts, addresses, phone numbers, some e-mail
Needs: What to take with you for the congregations	Frequently Asked Questions Things our readers have asked