Jewish Heritage Tours in Cuba

Experience the rich history and culture of the Cuban Jewish Community, in Havana, with our authentic guided tours.

Welcome to Havana Jewish Tour

We are proud to offer tour guide services focused on showcasing Cuba's rich Jewish heritage and current affairs from the perspective of the members of this community themselves. We involve members of the Jewish community in the realization of our tourism services so visitors have the opportunity to contribute directly to this unique community and receive a real perspective of Cuban Jewish life. Book a Jewish Cuba Tour in Havana for an authentic experience.

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Who is the Jewish Guide?

Our guide, Abel, has been an active member of the Jewish community since he was a child. He is part of several of the community projects such as the Albert Einstein Sunday School, the youth organization and religious services. he is also an enthusiastic student of Jewish history in Cuba.

 

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Our Services

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Jewish Cuba Classic Car Tours

Explore from a classic vintage car, the different places related to the Cuban Jewish community in Havana.

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Jewish Cuba Walking Tours

Explore the different places related to the history and current affairs of the Cuban Jewish community in Havana.

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Havana Synagogue Tours

Take a brief tour in the most important synagogue in Havana and Cuba: Beth Shalom Synagogue.

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Jewish Trips to Cuba

Embark on these Jewish Trips to Cuba to learn about the past and present of this community, enjoy Cuban culture, history and nature. 

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Private Tours in Cuba

Tell us know if you have a specific place to visit in Havana or in Cuba,  and we will prepare a special tour for you.

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Highlights of Jewish Tours in Havana, Cuba

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Beth Shalom Synagogue

Founded in the 1950s, it is arguably the most important synagogue in the country today. It is the headquarters of the entire Jewish community of Cuba.

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Sephardic Hebrew Center

Founded in 1959, it is a community center of Sephardic Jews in the country. It also houses a Holocaust Memorial within its facilities.

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Adath Israel Synagogue

Founded in 1959, is the only orthodox synagogue operating in Cuba. It manages a kosher butcher shop and the Ashkenazi Jewish cemetery in Havana.

Statics

Tours: +40

Visitors: +95

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why take a Jewish Cuba Tour with us?

The Jewish community in Cuba is one of the most unknown minorities in general in Cuban society. However, their cultural contribution to Cuba is truly fascinating, enduring and interesting for anyone interested in visiting this Caribbean Island.

At Havana Jewish Tour we can offer you Jewish Cuba Tours from the authentic perspective of members of the Cuban Jewish community, involved in the day to day life of this small but vibrant collective.

How many synagogues are in Havana/Cuba?

There are currently 3 active synagogues in Havana. There is also an active synagogue in the city of Camagüey and another in Santiago de Cuba.

Which is the most important synagogue in Cuba?

Temple Beth Shalom, in Havana, belongs to the building of El Patronato de La Casa de la Comunidad Hebrea de Cuba and is the most important synagogue in the country. It houses most of the congregants of the Cuban Jewish Community and it is where the most important celebrations are held, attracting the largest number of people, including foreign visitors.

There is antisemitism in Cuba?

In Cuba, so far there are no acts of hatred towards Jews as a religious or ethnic group. In fact, most Cubans do not know what it is to be Jewish, although at various times there have been official visits of Cuban political leaders to the Jewish community. Likewise, the Jewish community maintains projects to help society, such as the community pharmacy, as well as the promotion of interreligious dialogue, the dissemination of the history of Jews in Cuba, etc.

Where can I buy kosher food in Havana/Cuba?

In Cuba it is quite difficult to obtain kosher food; however, there is a kosher boutique hotel in Havana: Chateau Blanc, the first and only one of its kind on the island. There, you can order kosher food with all the guarantees of international certificates. Havana Jewish Tour can help you contact Chateau Blanc in case you need it.

What can I do to participate in a religious service or the celebration of a Jewish holiday in Havana?

In Havana, if you wish to participate in a conservative religious service, you can contact Beth Shalom Synagogue, where these services are being held at this time, together with the congregants of the Sephardic Hebrew Center.
In case you wish to participate in an orthodox religious service, then you can contact the Adath Israel Synagogue, where the services of this tendency are being held.
Havana Jewish Tour can assist you in contacting both synagogues.

How many Jews are there in Cuba?

In all of Cuba, at this moment, there are a little less than 1000 Jews. Most are in Havana, although there are small communities also in Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos, Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo.

Is a Jewish Cuba Tour for Americans legal?

Visits to Jewish sites in Cuba and their community projects may apply for the category of “Support for the Cuban People”. We also include in our itinerary the use of private services such as classic cars or restaurants.
Likewise, visits to synagogues and meeting with members of the community can apply for the category “Religious Activities”. 

Contact Us Today

Feel free to reach out to us using this contact form. We are here to assist you and answer any questions you may have about our services.

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Reviews from Google

Abel is a brilliant and amicable young man and tour guide. He arranged two classic car tours for us: a Jewish tour and a Havana city tour. Thanks to Abel, we truly got a sense of Havana's historic and dynamic Jewish community, from the early arrivals in Old Havana to the more contemporary life in el Vedado. This community has a rich history and has transformed multiple times in the last century. Abel beautifully guided us through that complex past with site visits and thoughtful historical conversation. His Havana city tour also allowed us to view the place through local eyes and learn what makes the city special. We can't recommend Abel enough. He is a phenomenal tour guide.

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Mark Goldberg

Mark Goldberg

25 days ago

Four of us took a tour of Havana’s Jewish sites with Abel and his driver in an open-top classic American car. Abel, despite being young, is already a notable member of the Jewish community in Havana. He took us to a couple of working temples, Hotel Rachel and one shuttered temple and relayed the history of the community and its past and present challenges. The tour lasted about 3 hours and was one of the highlights of our visit to Cuba. Highly recommended for people interested in that particular facet of Cuban life.

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Yan Gulko

Yan Gulko

4 months ago

My son and I took 2 private tours of the Jewish community of Havana with Abel, in Vedado and Old Havana. Abel was a great guide; he is very knowledgeable and informative. We learned so much about the history of the Jewish community and synagogues of Havana. After the Cuban revolution 90% of the Jews left Cuba. It was heartening to see that Jewish life is still thriving there. Our trip to Cuba would not have been complete without Abel. I highly recommend his Jewish tours.

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Esther Dukes

Esther Dukes

4 months ago

We had a late flight on the last day of our Cuba trip and booked Abel for a delightful tour. In four hours in a classic car, we visited the synagogues and other sites in Havana and then were taken to the airport. As a child of the Jewish community he is very knowledgeable and eloquent. You can even see his bar mitzvah picture. And with his mother as VP of Beth Shalom there’s a special history for him. Definitely do this tour.

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Norman Block

Norman Block

4 months ago

Please don’t leave Cuba without going on a tour with Abel. I learned so much from him. It’s a tour I will never forget. He’s incredible. Sue

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Susan

Susan

13 days ago

Embarking on the Jewish tour of Havana turned out to be a remarkably enlightening experience, largely due to the exceptional guidance of Abel, a prominent young figure within Cuba's modest Jewish community. Abel's deep-seated knowledge of the local Jewish history was not only impressive but also instrumental in enriching our understanding of the intricate tapestry that constitutes the Jewish presence in Cuba. The tour commenced in grand style, aboard a classic convertible that seemed to whisk us away into a bygone era, adding a touch of timeless charm to our journey through Havana's streets. This choice of vehicle was perfect, blending the old-world allure of Havana with the profound historical narratives we were about to explore. Abel, with his infectious enthusiasm and profound knowledge, guided us through the city, unveiling the layers of Jewish history and culture that have contributed to the fabric of Havana. Each site we visited was steeped in history and significance, from synagogues that stood as beacons of faith and community to memorials that silently narrated the resilience and contributions of Jewish Cubans. Abel's narrative was not just a recounting of facts; it was a vivid storytelling session that brought the past and present of Cuba's Jewish community to life. His personal insights and connections to the community added a valuable dimension to the tour, offering us an insider's perspective that was both rare and enlightening. What made the tour exceptionally memorable was not just the sites we visited but the manner in which Abel intertwined the Jewish history with the broader tapestry of Cuban culture and history. He skillfully drew connections between the Jewish community's experiences and the overarching narratives of Cuba, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between the community and the island nation. Furthermore, Abel's approachability and willingness to engage in deep conversations allowed for a dynamic exchange of ideas, questions, and reflections. This interactive element transformed the tour from a mere sightseeing experience into a meaningful dialogue, enriching our understanding and appreciation of Cuba's Jewish heritage. In conclusion, the Jewish tour of Havana with Abel was an unparalleled experience that went beyond the conventional boundaries of tourism. It was a journey through time, faith, and culture, guided by someone who not only knew the history but lived within its context. This tour is a must for anyone keen on understanding the unique mosaic of Cuban culture and the indelible imprint of its Jewish community. Abel, with his passion and knowledge, made history come alive, and for that, we are immensely grateful.

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Nicolas Ziperovich

Nicolas Ziperovich

1 year ago

I had the pleasure of taking Able's 1/2 day tour in Havana. Luckily we were visiting the one day a month the Sunday school was in sessio in Beth Shalom. We witnessed a father and son in front of members of the congregation essentially saying goodbye to each other as the son was making Aliyah soon, to be in the army, likely fighting in Gaza. After his father sang an impassioned song to his son, they embraced with tremendous love and heartache. It was a sight I will never forget. We learned about the shul's history and the various activities and projects that take place there. We also enjoyed watching the kids learn a dance for Hanukah. We then visited the nearby Sephardic Synagogue that was not as active but housed an excellent "Holocaust Museum". We then took a taxi to old Havana to visit a third synagogue, Menorah Park (which, sadly had much trash on part of its perimete), and Hotel Raquel, decorated with Jewish symbols and Hebrew. Able was very knowledgable and charming and we enjoyed being with him and getting an intimate look into the life of the Jewish community there.I recommend his tour wholeheartedly!

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Francine Cohen

Francine Cohen

6 months ago

Very informative. The visit to the cemetery was a history lesson, supported by Abel's knowledge and perspective.

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Martin Kohn

Martin Kohn

6 months ago

Excelente oportunidad de descubrir la vida judeo cubana. Muy profesional y con amplio conocimiento de los temas. Opciones variadas y posibilidades diversas de conocer la real vida cubana.

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Vladimir Oduardo

Vladimir Oduardo

5 months ago