The light that endures: a night of Hanukkah, memory, and community in Havana

Hanukkah 2026 at Beth Shalom Synagogue

In a world saddened by violence, the Jewish Community of Cuba lit the holiday’s first candle, reaffirming life, unity, and hope. On the night of Sunday, December 14th—the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar—the Beth Shalom Synagogue did more than kindle the first Hanukkah light; it lit a beacon of spiritual resistance and unity at a time when the world seems to need it most.

The celebration was, above all, an act of vibrant presence. The heart of Havana’s Jewish community beat strongly as the main hall of the Beth Shalom synagogue overflowed with a multigenerational crowd that defied the weariness of the times and the weight of distance. It was a resounding response: in a period marked by departures and challenges, the community answered with a firm “here we are”, filling the space with faces of all ages—from the eldest to the youngest, who were the true protagonists.

Innocence as legacy

Guided by Tamara Kelly, director of the Machon Albert Einstein Sunday School, the little hands of the children from the Machon (the Shorashim, Nitzanim, and Anafim kitot) had the honor of lighting the shamash in a scene full of sweetness and innocence. This was not merely a symbolic gesture, but a living lesson in continuity. The youngest transformed into Maccabees for a night, “restoring the Temple” with their purity, while teenagers, with fresh enthusiasm, explained the deep meaning of the tradition to all. It was, as many noted, a true fusion of emotion and knowledge, sprinkled with spontaneous laughter and a warmth that overcame every potential setback.

A message of light in the face of darkness

Yet the light of the hanukkiah was kindled under the shadow of tragedy. Hours earlier, the Cuban Jewish Community had issued a forceful and profound condemnation of the violent attack in Bondi Beach, Australia—a context that imbued the celebration with even deeper meaning.

The Rabbi’s words were shared during the gathering: nothing justifies violence, and to remain silent is to be complicit. Thus, the lighting of the first candle became a doubly powerful act. On one hand, it celebrated the ancient miracle of light overcoming darkness. On the other, it served as an act of remembrance and luminous protest. “May the light of this first Hanukkah candle reach the souls of the many innocent lives lost to terrorism”, prayed the community, transforming the joy of the holiday into an affirmation of life and an absolute rejection of hatred.

Honoring everyday heroes

The evening was also a space to recognize goodness and internal solidarity. A heartfelt tribute was paid to the “Yahad” mission, volunteers who became everyday heroes in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This act connected the historical miracle of Hanukkah with the modern “miracles” of cooperation and mutual support that keep the community alive.

The light of unity

The presence of the Ambassador of Poland, the blessings intoned by community leaders alongside David Prinstein—President of the Cuban Jewish Community—and the songs and dances that wove the air “with ancient memories” completed the portrait of an extraordinary night. It demonstrated a community that, like the phoenix, rises again and again, choosing life against all odds.

In the end, the lesson of this first night of Hanukkah in Havana was clear and powerful: the humblest light, when kindled together, is unstoppable. It was the light of a people’s faith, the innocence of its children, the resilience of its adults, and a steadfast commitment to peace. A small flame in the Caribbean that, on this night, shone with the strength of a universal message: against all darkness, there will always be someone to light a candle.

Chag Urim Sameach!

Happy Festival of Lights!