On May 19th, congregation and friends gathered in the main sanctuary of
the Patronato to greet the Sabbath Queen, but not in the usual manner. This was to
be the first service in the newly refurbished Beth Shalom, the sanctuary of the Patronato.
The excitement of over two hundred people filled the air
with anticipation. |
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Everyone joyuously discussed improvements such as new windows that keep
the birds from flying through the sanctuary and an enclosed balcony that now houses
several classrooms and a computer education lab for Escuela Tikun Olam, the Havana
Sunday school.
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Just before candle lighting, we all stood facing the doors as the Sifrei Torah were
carried into the sanctuary to be returned to their home in the Aron Hakodesh by leaders of
the community and influential friends. Among these individuals was Rabbi
Shmuel Szteinhendler who has worked with the Joint Distribution Committee for many years
to insure educational opportunities and proper conversions, thereby strengthening Jewish
religious practice throughout the island. |
In keeping with the tradition that the Youth Group conducts the services on Friday
night, Tatiana Asis and Alberto Behar (the newly trained Baal Kore ) shared the task of
leading the congregation in prayer while Diego Mendelbaum, past JDC Havana Director,
accompanied on the electric keyboard as he had done each week for the previous two
and a half years.
Thus began an inspiring weekend of services, Torah study, shared meals, a reception
with elevating speeches, tours of the building, and the pleasure of observing
the Sunday morning youth education program. Visitors and supporters came
from all over the world to share the joy and applaud the
great accomplishments of Dr. Jose Miller whose vision and tenacity were the catalyst for
the successful completion of this project. Among the Cuban dignitaries in attendance
were Cardinal Jamie Ortega and Carida Diego Bello, Director of the Office of Religious
Affairs of the Central Committee of the Cuban government and Alberto Prieto of the same
office. Great appreciation expressed to those individuals and foundations whose
generous funding led to the rapid completion of the project. It was truly an inspiring
weekend.
see more pictures of the newly restored Beth
Shalom |
