This post is part of a series highlighting the international work our Federation is doing in partnership with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Learn more by joining us at Global Jewry: One People, One World on November 16th—an in-depth look at our impact and the challenges we face.
There may only be 1,400 Jews in Cuba, but that doesn’t mean our Cuban brothers and sisters should have any less access to Jewish life—and it hasn’t stopped our Federation from sparking a vibrant Jewish renaissance on the island. With the JDC, we are training Jews to lead religious services and providing a visiting rabbi to conduct life cycle events from Jewish weddings to Bar Mitzvahs. We also offer camp programs, Israeli dance festivals and Jewish holiday celebrations.
One of the ways we are keeping Jewish life alive in Havana is by operating the country’s only religious school, Albert Einstein Sunday School. Check out the video below to hear how the JDC’s Sumiko is helping ensure the Jewish future for the children of Havana:
Slowly yet steadily, the Jewish community of Havana is growing. Enrollment at Albert Einstein Sunday School during the 2010-2011 school year was at just 167, while this year, 188 students are receiving a formal Jewish education.
In 2013, our Federation led L.A. community members on a mission to Cuba in which they were able to experience firsthand the impact of our Federation’s work, including how we are caring for Jews in need in Havana. From providing medicines for the community pharmacy to delivering Shabbat chicken dinners and holiday meals, we are enhancing the daily lives of some of Cuba’s most poverty-stricken Jews. And we’re leading another mission to Cuba this December.
Our work in Cuba is not all we are accomplishing together with the JDC—in fact, we are engaging Jewish communities in over 70 countries around the world! Learn more by joining us at Global Jewry: One People, One World on Sunday, November 16th ! This captivating program will offer an in-depth look at our work and the challenges we face—with opportunities to hear firsthand from our partners on the ground how we’re transforming lives throughout the Jewish world.
Register for Global Jewry: One People, One World today!
For more information, contact OnePeople@JewishLA.org.
