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Cuban Soldier Uses "Free Pass" for Madrichim TrainingElian, 18, grew up without a real sense of Jewish identity. Living in a suburb 30 km outside of Havana where transportation is a tremendous challenge, he and his mother rarely traveled any distance from their hometown. It was only two years ago that Elian's mother, a Russian Jew who immigrated to Cuba, learned that there was a vibrant Jewish community in the capital. A neighbor mentioned that he knew someone who frequently attended Jewish gatherings; Elian and his mother were intrigued. Their first visit to the community was during a Havdalah service, marking the end of Shabbat. "Seeing young people and children dance, sing and feel like a 'family' captivated me right away," shared Elian. He immediately set out to acquire the music for the dances he had seen performed so that he could listen to them at home. Soon thereafter, the ambitious teen availed himself of the full gamut of JDC-sponsored activities. He joined the Rikudim Israeli folk dance group and began to participate in the youth activities. Elian began attending activities at the community center two or three times per week, including religious services, learning about Jewish traditions at Sunday school, and studying Hebrew. He even wrote an article for the community magazine in which he described his experience of being a newcomer to the Jewish community. In August, when Elian was called up for a year of military service, he feared this would mean a harsh break from the Jewish connection he had come to treasure. He was concerned about not being able to celebrate the Jewish New Year, which was rapidly approaching, with his new family. "I was so upset and distressed to go far away from my friends and my place, where I take part in Jewish activities," said Elian. But he was so determined to remain connected to the community that he used a 36-hour leave to participate in a JDC-sponsored course for new madrichim (youth counselors) with his friends. "I wanted to give back, as a madrich, to the Jewish community, which had given me much," he explained. Elian also requested special permission to observe Rosh Hashana with the community. He and his family reveled in the High Holiday all together — hearing the shofar, participating in synagogue services, sharing a special holiday meal that included apples and honey, and exchanging Kartisei Bracha (New Year's Cards). "I will not forget this experience of keeping my traditions even while I am away from home and geographically far from my community," said Elian. "My Jewish identity is with me wherever I am and I know I will soon be home again." September 2006 |
