MAKE A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY
It is not common to walk through the world every day knowing that YOU
make a difference. It is rare
that the results of your engagement are tangible and immediate. Working
with the resurgent Jewish
community of Cuba is such an experience.
The Cuban Jewish community has been nothing short of heroic in their
struggle to rebuild a community
that nearly vanished. Founded in 1901, the Jewish community of Cuba was
estimated immediately after
World War Two to have 25,000 members but now has approximately 1,500
after its nadir of less than
700 in 1985. In addition to three synagogues in Havana, there are half a
dozen active small communities
across the island, each with a unique character of its own.
Today the communities have rebuilt their houses of worship and religious
schools, restored many Jewish
cemeteries, and have created new programs and facilities for young and
old to learn their precious
heritage. The Cuban Jewish community provides for its members religious
and educational opportunities
as well as medical, nutritional, and social support. The Cuban Jewish
community maintains a chapter of
B’nai Brith and Hadassah and her young adults participate in
international Birthright Israel and March of
the Living Programs.
All of this is made possible through the generosity and support of
organizations like the Cuba America
Jewish Mission. Cuba’s Jews have the energy and ideas to create a
vibrant community once again. They
cannot do it alone.
In the coming months, with the assistance of the Cuba America Jewish
Mission, a new synagogue will
open in Santa Clara, the first modern senior day care center will open
at the Sinagoga Centro Hebrea de
Sefaradi, and efforts will begin to restore the Sephardic cemetery
outside of Havana.
And you can be a part of it.
Membership in the Cuba America Jewish Mission allows US citizens to
legally visit Cuba. You will have
the opportunity to sing, dance, visit, and pray with the Jews of Cuba.
You will sit down to meals and
create friendships that can last a lifetime. You can witness directly
the fruits of your donation.
You can make a difference.
Join with us today.
Muchas benediciones (many blessings),
Rabbi Elhanan ‘Sunny’ Schnitzer - President
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