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Cincinnati Federation Visits the Mitzvah Makers in Cuba's Jewish Renaissance
Elliot Karp, Director of Financial Development at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Ohio traveled to Cuba recently, where he saw many of the JDC-supported programs strengthening that communist country’s Jewish community. Below is an excerpt from a letter he wrote to some friends upon his return home: ... But the story of Havana's renaissance is not in the physical buildings. It is in the Jewish community, its members and people. They are strong, vibrant and vital! Six years ago there were no more than 25 people who joined us Friday night for Kabbalat Shabbat services. This year we were joined by nearly 100 members of the community; including a wonderful complement of children and teenagers. Afterwards, more than 150 in total joined our group for Shabbat dinner. The children not only led services, with adult leaders, but they sang songs in a choir group in shul and at the dinner. The same revival and resurgence of Jewish life was apparent at the Adath Israel Synagogue in Old Havana and at the Sephardic Congregation. Though both are small in number, they are vital and vibrant. Their buildings are rehabbed and more important, their members are taking part in services, programs and activities. How is all this possible? Over the last six years the JDC has invested what is truly a modest budget in the Cuban Jewish community. Through the JDC the community has been supported with food, books, transportation and all forms of programming and activities ranging from services for senior adults to Jewish education for adults and children, conversion classes, Bnai and Bnot Mitzvah training, summer camps and much much more. But the real secret have been the JDC professional staff in residence. ... |
