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.

As a child of five, Ruth Behar left Cuba with her Jewish family. Growing up in the United States, she wondered about the Jews who stayed behind. A stunning memoir, "An Island Called Home" is the story of Behar's journey back to Cuba. Behar uncovers a side of Cuban Jews that is poignant and personal. Her moving vignettes of the individuals she meets are coupled with the sensitive photographs of Havana-based photographer Humberto Mayol, who traveled with her.

Ruth Behar is a professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan. The recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellows award, she is the author of "The Vulnerable Observer: Anthropology That Breaks Your Heart" and director of the documentary, "Adio Kerida" (Goodbye Dear Love). Ruth's website is www.ruthbehar.com

Humberto Mayol is an award-winning photographer living in Havana, Cuba. His work has been widely exhibited in Cuba, the United States, Europe, and Latin America.