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<h2>Some cities you visit. Havana, you live. And in 2026, it celebrates three times over</h2><p>This isn’t a promise: it’s a calendar. February opens with the smoke of fine tobacco and Cohíba’s 60th anniversary, and closes with ten candles on the birthday cake of Cuban salsa and 70 years of Elito Revé. Then comes April, bringing seven days of pure cadence to the Hotel Nacional, with the Malecón looking on.</p><p>Here, from Havana—where every corner holds a story and every rhythm captures your soul—we want to tell you something: in the coming months, this city will not only be the setting for our Jewish history, but also the epicenter of Cuban music, dance, and tradition. Three major events are shaking the capital, and they all share something in common: they celebrate authenticity, our roots, and what connects us with the world.</p><p>At Havana Jewish Tour, we believe that to know a culture is to live it fully. That’s why, beyond our synagogues and cemeteries, we invite you to immerse yourself in three unique experiences that will define February and April 2026. Take note. Furthermore, if you are interested in having amazing experiences in this city, then check out our page on <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/havana-city-tour" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/havana-city-tour" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Havana City Tours</a>.</p><h2>Habanos Festival: Cohíba Turns 60, and Havana Celebrates in Grand Style</h2><figure id="figure-ott5csbis9mlrcnfde"><img id="ott5csbis9mlrcnfde" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2d7pD42nELLqNOt51NhXuFjq4BTzEsIIzDYIiAnt51FcJTjz28tUs0nEwfEIV0gH.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2d7pD42nELLqNOt51NhXuFjq4BTzEsIIzDYIiAnt51FcJTjz28tUs0nEwfEIV0gH.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>When?</strong> February 23–27, 2026 &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where?</strong> Havana and Pinar del Río (plantations, factories, fairs, seminars)</p><p>We open this agenda with the king of festivals. The Habanos Festival returns for its 26th edition, and this year’s tribute is dedicated to a legend: Cohíba, 60 years of history wrapped in tobacco leaf.</p><p>More than a thousand people from around the world will gather in Havana to celebrate the habano for what it is: culture, art, tradition, and business. This is the heart of MICE tourism in Cuba—a space where the professional and the pleasurable go hand in hand.</p><p><strong>What’s included?</strong> Visits to the Vuelta Abajo plantations—sacred tobacco land—tours of legendary factories like El Laguito, pairings, Habanosommelier competitions, exhibitions, product launches, and much more. An atmosphere where smoke tells stories and each cigar is a work of art.</p><p>If you’re coming to Havana for its Jewish history, don’t leave without discovering the island’s other heritage: tobacco and the mastery of its torcedores.</p><h2>Cuban Salsa Festival: 10 Years of Rhythm, Resilience, and Cuban Flavor</h2><figure id="figure-e6erzk4qaemlrcomrr"><img id="e6erzk4qaemlrcomrr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32n8ZiShayBgvyAHWiRqe1CQo636RCATm5uYRCDy4jCwdjPBr89M3tQkCY0YomFg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32n8ZiShayBgvyAHWiRqe1CQo636RCATm5uYRCDy4jCwdjPBr89M3tQkCY0YomFg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>When?</strong> Starting Friday, February 27 (multiple venues, kicking off strong at Club 500) &nbsp;</p><p><strong>What are we celebrating?</strong> 10 years of the festival + 70 years of Elito Revé y su Charangón</p><p>This is no ordinary festival. It is the home of Cuban popular music. Born in 2016 with a clear idea—to showcase what is made on the island, from the island, with today’s energy—here, no one worships a label. They honor a way of feeling the son, the timba, the casino.</p><p>This year, the celebration is twofold: ten years of credibility, dancers, sweat, and legendary orchestras, and a well-deserved tribute to Elito Revé, 70 years marking the path from changüí to the world.</p><p><strong>Who’s playing?</strong> Los Van Van, Adalberto Álvarez, Alain Pérez, Alexander Abreu, Haila, Elito Revé, and of course, Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor. Four orchestras each night. More than five days of concerts.</p><p><strong>What makes it special?</strong> Because here, rather than debating whether salsa was born in New York or Cuba, what matters is that the music is felt in your feet. The Salsa Festival opens its doors to communities, art schools, international DJs, and dancers who come to learn casino in its very cradle.</p><p>“Salsa doesn’t exist” said Tito Puente. But Cuban flavor does. And it’s danced, sung, and celebrated at this festival.</p><h2>Ritmo Cuba: Seven Days of Pure Dance at the Hotel Nacional</h2><figure id="figure-rs4eybleyjmlrcxpjf"><img id="rs4eybleyjmlrcxpjf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/32ix4sxShWY05q2oJ2R0YZq80mA7h2TIr5accWOYrAdt5m7cpynQPQSxgAIMIdTp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/32ix4sxShWY05q2oJ2R0YZq80mA7h2TIr5accWOYrAdt5m7cpynQPQSxgAIMIdTp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p><strong>When?</strong> April 6–12, 2026 &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where?</strong> Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Vedado (yes, with a view of the Malecón)</p><p>We close with a grand finale. If movement is your thing, Ritmo Cuba is your paradise. Imagine seven days, more than 100 hours of classes, 60 instructors, and three dance halls dedicated entirely to Cuban salsa, rueda de casino, bachata, reggaeton, rumba, folkloric, kizomba… Do we need more reasons?</p><p>The best part: it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or if you already dance like a pro. There’s room for everyone. And when night falls, Havana becomes your dance floor. Parties, clubs, live bands, and an unforgettable beach party crown the experience.</p><p>What’s more, Ritmo Cuba isn’t just about dance—it’s cultural immersion. Walk through Havana between classes, breathe in its people, its warmth, its light. If you wish to extend your stay, sponsors offer Spanish lessons or private dance classes at La Casona del Son.</p><p>The venue is the Hotel Nacional, one of the city’s icons. Dance with the Malecón as your backdrop. Few things are more Cuban than that.</p><h2>Havana Doesn’t Stop—and We’re Here to Accompany You</h2><p>At Havana Jewish Tour, we celebrate every heartbeat of this city. February and April 2026 offer us three unforgettable opportunities to connect with Cuban culture at its most vibrant roots.</p><p>Will you come raise a glass with a habano in hand? Listen to a legendary orchestra? Or dance until dawn? Whatever your plan, we await you with open arms and rhythm in our chests.</p><p>Write to us, ask us, plan your trip. In Havana, every day is a party. And you are invited.</p><p>See you on the grandstand, on the dance floor, and along the Malecón. &nbsp;</p><p><em>Havana Jewish Tour – Discovering Havana, Feeling Cuba</em>.</p>

Between Jewish Tradition and the Cuban Soul: Three Unmissable Events

<h2>Do not forget</h2><p>Every January 27th, humanity pauses to remember one of the darkest and most painful chapters in history: The Holocaust. On this date, we honor the memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime, as well as the millions of other innocent victims persecuted, dehumanized, and exterminated by hatred, antisemitism, and intolerance.</p><p>Remembering is not solely an act of historical memory; it is a permanent moral imperative. History has shown that hatred does not disappear on its own and that indifference, silence, or forgetfulness create the conditions for it to reemerge with new forms and new faces.</p><h2>Havana as the setting for remembrance</h2><p>On Tuesday, January 27th, the Jewish Community of Cuba, together with the Albert Einstein Jewish Sunday School, organized an event to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day.</p><figure id="figure-3zscun2pfml09kug3"><img id="3zscun2pfml09kug3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2UWQ3u4cmgD8klVgtoWyEbxxtWkT5j9bhvZv33DumPvVOvMl3rVkYWcg8G9BCsPU.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2UWQ3u4cmgD8klVgtoWyEbxxtWkT5j9bhvZv33DumPvVOvMl3rVkYWcg8G9BCsPU.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>This act was a reaffirmation of the commitment of Cuban Jews to the memory of the victims, to transmitting the truth to new generations, and to the firm denunciation of all forms of antisemitism, denialism, and violence. El Patronato (Beth Shalom Synagogue) hosted this heartfelt commemoration.</p><h2>Special guests</h2><p>It is now a tradition for members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Cuba to join us for these remembrance events. Ambassadors, officials, and other friends from the European Union, Poland, Germany, Argentina, and Chile were present at the ceremony, acknowledging the magnitude of the moment while demonstrating profound respect and sensitivity.</p><p>A special mention is due to the Ambassador of Poland to Cuba, Joanna Kozinska. In addition to her close, years-long relationship with the Jewish Community of Havana, she has the honor of being the daughter-in-law of a person recognized by Yad Vashem as a "Righteous Among the Nations" for helping to save many Jews during the Second World War.</p><figure id="figure-iw9oqa78sfml09pp1r"><img id="iw9oqa78sfml09pp1r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/331wXsuUFkd9r6lNAbeB7jMbcBEzBLDeZNy4VRzgErQFBXJgs3ZgRwuwTV5lWXwg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/331wXsuUFkd9r6lNAbeB7jMbcBEzBLDeZNy4VRzgErQFBXJgs3ZgRwuwTV5lWXwg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Keeping memory alive as a commitment</h2><p>Organizing a Holocaust (Shoah) remembrance event is not merely a ceremonial task; it is, above all, an act of conscience, moral courage, and fidelity to the duty of remembrance. Several moments during the event illustrated how we, Cuban Jews, honor that memory.</p><figure id="figure-8qi5abqt8jml0aa968"><img id="8qi5abqt8jml0aa968" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fS66laPy9gP2kdOpx8aV3KKLmK3Sh0SvAOmyQscV7od3IiySOtqf5YsdIudPYCm.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Our leaders shared heartfelt words, poems were read, and testimonial videos were screened. A particularly moving moment was the removal of the photograph of Ran Gvili, the last hostage whose body had remained in Gaza, from the "Mural of the Abducted." This mural is a project by the Cuban Jewish Youth Organization demanding the return of all victims of the October 7th terrorist attacks.</p><p>Another solemn moment was the lighting of the Six Memorial Candles, representing the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Each candle was lit by a member of the Jewish Community of Cuba, accompanied by a representative from the diplomatic corps. Subsequently, the leader of the Religious Services recited the Male Rachamim prayer, followed by a communal recitation of the Mourner's Kaddish.</p><figure id="figure-ngdrkxma0mml09rhkd"><img id="ngdrkxma0mml09rhkd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18LkQnDvKSUmTHsqENifVkg1rlyUNiME0zvOHC7NbHqWiOR8VEVIkPiTaCrr6AfA.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18LkQnDvKSUmTHsqENifVkg1rlyUNiME0zvOHC7NbHqWiOR8VEVIkPiTaCrr6AfA.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><h2>Never again</h2><p>It was a Day of Remembrance to reaffirm our duty to defend life, human dignity, and the right of all people to live in peace. Therefore, at a time when antisemitism is once again manifesting with brutality, reminding us that hatred is not confined to the past, this act held an even deeper significance.</p><figure id="figure-s1iyie9yleml0a2cst"><img id="s1iyie9yleml0a2cst" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28WwR1P0dyii0BlL78SqfqY2MDrhJsh30ICOI2j3aiKsnCpu1p0IqZBfRPGM7y9W.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28WwR1P0dyii0BlL78SqfqY2MDrhJsh30ICOI2j3aiKsnCpu1p0IqZBfRPGM7y9W.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>The slogan <strong>#WeRemember</strong> resonates today, more than ever, in the heart of every Cuban Jew. Remembering is a daily exercise of conscience, education, responsibility, and resolve. For this reason, we commemorated this January 27th with such solemnity and feeling. In doing so, we not only honor memory, but also declare NEVER AGAIN.</p>

A day to remember. January 27th: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

<h2>Hanukkah 2026 at Beth Shalom Synagogue</h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><figure id="figure-cu62vx76v3fmjdwwz3b"><img id="cu62vx76v3fmjdwwz3b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34NvXzHOGrCJx4RLCC5IDNzSXc0wkO3Delqk4BJPTdwZKuplUJv6J3Q3KEdohfgo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34NvXzHOGrCJx4RLCC5IDNzSXc0wkO3Delqk4BJPTdwZKuplUJv6J3Q3KEdohfgo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Innocence as legacy</h2><p>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.</p><figure id="figure-9wmg5ljndvmjdwsl3q"><img id="9wmg5ljndvmjdwsl3q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dJLaWMRJWipSPkiaNv9T0w0yHsC9XLVisJsa1QFADB2QQFfnwPbud06IsHHzvQa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dJLaWMRJWipSPkiaNv9T0w0yHsC9XLVisJsa1QFADB2QQFfnwPbud06IsHHzvQa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>A message of light in the face of darkness</h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2>Honoring everyday heroes</h2><p>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.</p><h2>The light of unity</h2><p>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.</p><figure id="figure-wnblxih5xtmjdwtt06"><img id="wnblxih5xtmjdwtt06" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19rWwRL6RvYubfSz3uekYLawTSUXCIkKSM9QBHQm0LJIVtq5tyr5RBGeHqWKHqCt.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19rWwRL6RvYubfSz3uekYLawTSUXCIkKSM9QBHQm0LJIVtq5tyr5RBGeHqWKHqCt.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 45%;"></figure><p>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. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about this Caribbean Jewish community with our <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/">Jewish Heritage Tours</a>.</p><figure id="figure-tp3v6tu2ucmjdwxw5j" class="selected"><img id="tp3v6tu2ucmjdwxw5j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/243nMfg6Zmj90e6n6BA6jYUnN2vmyoInaETvKPTC3qJUGKclBV66OmXMSz4ggAfh.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/243nMfg6Zmj90e6n6BA6jYUnN2vmyoInaETvKPTC3qJUGKclBV66OmXMSz4ggAfh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Chag Urim Sameach!</p><p>Happy Festival of Lights!</p>

Hanukkah in Havana, 2026: memory, identity and community

<p>In the darkest of times, when the forces of nature leave uncertainty and desolation in their wake, a light emerges: the light of human solidarity. It serves as a beacon, reminding us that even from afar, we are not alone. Driven by this conviction, the Misión Yajad was born. This initiative of the Cuban Jewish Community, together with the international disaster relief organization CADENA and with the crucial support of the JDC (Joint Distribution Committee), embarked on a journey to eastern Cuba to lend a hand to their fellow community members and others affected by the recent hurricane Melissa.</p><h2>Yajad: because "Together" is the only way</h2><figure id="figure-o93pcbt5ymikxq4qo"><img id="o93pcbt5ymikxq4qo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2bCbIuBLHYl07WKYxeM0YsHbw9mxMRACpEcPlxp2YZroNXobwCxOqlelM2siG8Ul.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2bCbIuBLHYl07WKYxeM0YsHbw9mxMRACpEcPlxp2YZroNXobwCxOqlelM2siG8Ul.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>The mission's name, "Yajad" (meaning "together" in Hebrew), was no accident. It was the essence guiding every step, every donation, and every word of encouragement. It reflects the commitment of a people rising as one large family, upholding two fundamental pillars of Judaism: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and Tzedakah—the act of giving not from our surplus, but from what we have.</p><p>This caravan of hope departed from Havana in the early hours of Thursday, November 13th. It was loaded not only with material aid—food packages, water filters, medicine, and rechargeable lamps—but also with the open hearts of its members: community volunteers and representatives from CADENA and the Joint.</p><h2>First stop: Camagüey and reconnecting with the community</h2><p>The journey began with a stop in Camagüey, where the mission was warmly welcomed by local community leaders. It was a moment for reconnection and assessment, not only of material damages but also to understand first-hand the epidemiological situation and most urgent needs. The distribution of aid there was the first concrete gesture on a long road ahead.</p><h2>Venturing east: Granma and aid without borders</h2><p>That same day, the mission continued into the province of Granma. In the municipalities of Campechuela and Manzanillo, they visited the Jewish families in the area, but their work did not stop there. Because solidarity knows no creed, donations were extended to other neighbors in need. The mission's doctors began their invaluable work, assessing the health of vulnerable individuals, many of them elderly, identifying specific medication needs, and providing primary care.</p><figure id="figure-m9gci04wbimikxr943"><img id="m9gci04wbimikxr943" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/35hVuRvXBw1FwJyel20VqSXbI7kliKHaAGkWOpebIbabdh0e1dKVVmeBCmniUbvy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/35hVuRvXBw1FwJyel20VqSXbI7kliKHaAGkWOpebIbabdh0e1dKVVmeBCmniUbvy.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure><p>On the morning of Friday, November 14th, they arrived at a place that encapsulated the urgency of their aid: the settlement of “El Guayito” in Río Cauto. More than twenty days after the hurricane, the town was still flooded. There, they assisted forty families. The moment was profoundly human; beyond delivering supplies, they organized activities for the children and held a public demonstration on using the water filters, ensuring the whole community understood how to access clean water. Donating supplies to the local family doctor guaranteed the aid would be distributed in an organized and effective way.</p><h2>Santiago de Cuba: embracing resilience</h2><p>From there, they left for Santiago de Cuba. After assessing the damage and delivering aid to local Jewish families, the mission again demonstrated its commitment to the entire society. They visited two maternity homes and a clinic, bringing food, medicine, and water filters. The doctors held an enriching session with the pregnant women, offering care and peace of mind. One of the most impactful donations for the Jewish community of Santiago de Cuba was an electric generator; personal hygiene items were also donated.</p><figure id="figure-gkkrqqf0smikxsh8n"><img id="gkkrqqf0smikxsh8n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2dWFEaIKzpRbIpI2lEuc35IWfXkx9Xadc3NT3fxOdbx4aNOOgnPvd8kq80bzZfX6.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 95%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="95%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2dWFEaIKzpRbIpI2lEuc35IWfXkx9Xadc3NT3fxOdbx4aNOOgnPvd8kq80bzZfX6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 95%;"></figure><p>The mission then paused to honor tradition, observing Shabbat with the Jewish Community of Santiago—a moment of spirituality and reflection amid their intense work.&nbsp;</p><h2>Guantánamo: the final assessment and closing the circle</h2><figure id="figure-sc4x6410ilmikxtjrl"><img id="sc4x6410ilmikxtjrl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fyAOvQNVQiCrkLZf85QA5Zb6NKX9LJEnmlLkPjvp0PX8GfqbBn3CWNaiHL6WwGp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fyAOvQNVQiCrkLZf85QA5Zb6NKX9LJEnmlLkPjvp0PX8GfqbBn3CWNaiHL6WwGp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>On Saturday, November 15th, the mission reached its final provincial stop: Guantánamo. The exchange with the local community allowed the JDC and CADENA to conduct a deeper contingency assessment, paying special attention to the physical and emotional well-being of all affected. They provided aid to families whose homes were destroyed or damaged and who were sheltering in temporary accommodations, thereby closing a circle of assistance that addressed the most immediate needs.</p><h2>Yajad: a way of walking</h2><p>The physical journey of Misión Yajad has concluded, but its purpose endures. Its members returned transformed, with the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled, yet with the certainty that needs remain. Yajad is not just the name of a mission; it is a way of walking.</p><figure id="figure-h1wh7a4rbqmiky6p84"><img id="h1wh7a4rbqmiky6p84" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3aCPj12Ce1S0PmjzEdibhHHKcMCMNzYeEPowOyiA3Iyb92Yu4jabJVf9TRMMFZ6q.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Together, they faced the storms. Together, we rebuild. And together, they will continue walking, with unity as their most powerful force. This log of hope is only the first chapter. The commitment continues.</p><p>Together they arrived. Together they helped. Together they will move forward.</p>

A journey in solidarity with those affected by Hurricane Melissa: "Misión Yajad""

<p>October 7th has become a profoundly significant date for the Jewish world. Two years ago, Israel fell victim to one of the most sinister and traumatic attacks in its history. The terrorist group Hamas carried out this atrocity, committing horrific crimes against people of all ages present at the scene.</p><p>One of the most painful injuries inflicted upon the people and government of Israel was the murder, torture, and rape of over a thousand individuals, in addition to the kidnapping of 254 others. Their lives and safe return have been the central focus of efforts and negotiations during these two years of renewed escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.</p><figure id="figure-l98tw4bd7gmhcsi6ou"><img id="l98tw4bd7gmhcsi6ou" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/16oicgtpDJ1frYvEQ1xOu0UeRvIbLKyd9Qs0dGCQkWzcO0HqhuWtknzewxPYbhPt.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 85%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="85%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/16oicgtpDJ1frYvEQ1xOu0UeRvIbLKyd9Qs0dGCQkWzcO0HqhuWtknzewxPYbhPt.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 85%;"></figure><h2>Two years ago</h2><p>On October 7, 2023, the Jewish Community of Cuba was preparing to celebrate Simchat Torah. Although we completed the reading of the last parashah of Devarim and the first of Bereshit, the unique joy that characterizes this celebration was stolen from Cuban Jews. The pain of lives lost and the horror depicted in images of attacks on innocent people wounded us all.</p><p>Over these two years, our community has remained steadfast in its support of Israel and has never ceased demanding the hostages’ return. Notably, several young Cubans have joined the IDF in defense of Israel during this time. Meanwhile, our kehila’s Youth Organization launched the "Mural of the Abducted," a project dedicated to monitoring the fate of those held captive by Hamas.</p><h2>A special and unique moment</h2><p>This year, in 2025, we held a special gathering at the Patronato Synagogue to commemorate the second anniversary of the October 7th attacks. With key community leaders and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance, around 130 members of our kehila joined the memorial event. Several speeches were delivered, a poem was recited, and an allegorical rikud (dance) was performed in remembrance.</p><p>However, the most poignant moment of the evening was the presence of Laura Malo Londoño, a young Israeli artist of Colombian origin—a DJ, musician, and composer—and one of the survivors of the Nova Festival, a primary target of Hamas on that fateful day.</p><figure id="figure-x8yp7omj9cmhcska1s"><img id="x8yp7omj9cmhcska1s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/eX8lTFnXCyjBcfZjy6locwrOPs9eS9mGCEYPB54L5NO54znMdfdA0fhs85JV6qJi.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/eX8lTFnXCyjBcfZjy6locwrOPs9eS9mGCEYPB54L5NO54znMdfdA0fhs85JV6qJi.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;"></figure><h2>Laura among us</h2><p>Laura Malo’s testimony was filled with harrowing and heartbreaking details. Yet, underlying her story was a message of faith and hope. She recounted her experience vividly, sharing photographs of the places where she endured the trauma and even playing an audio recording of her farewell message to her parents.</p><p>The clarity and courage with which this brave young woman shared her story resonated deeply with every Cuban Jew present. It was a privilege to have her among us and to witness the power of faith in God. At the end of her speech, she performed two of her original musical pieces.</p><figure id="figure-c03izv7kghmhcsl640"><img id="c03izv7kghmhcsl640" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/cwcSRTERatiNl0g8TPd4nLKKzlsuRd0reTjixMVcOG2uv8J2Cq5W3rzSC9fk2kgf.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 85%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="85%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Laura’s fundamental message was clear: “I did not surrender—I survived. And I am here with you because it was God’s will.” Her presence allowed us to reflect deeply on the tragedy. October 7th—a day to remember—was etched in our hearts not only as a day of mourning but also as proof that even in darkness, faith and life endure. Laura’s story, like that of Israel, reminds us that even in tragedy, there remains room for redemption and light.</p>

A Day to Remember: October 7th

<h2>The Jewish New Year</h2><p>Rosh Hashanah is, par excellence, one of the most important holidays for the Jewish community in Havana, as well as for Jews worldwide, both in Israel and the Diaspora. The new year commemorates the day of the divine creation of man. In the Torah, God tells Moses that the people of Israel must observe the first day of the seventh month as a day of rest and mark it with the blowing of horns, which is why it is also known as Yom Teruah.</p><p>Each Jewish New Year marks the season of the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days), during which humanity must reflect on its actions and remain in a state of introspection because it will be judged, and it will be determined who will be inscribed in the Book of Life. Remember that if you would also like to take a <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/">Jewish Heritage Tour of Cuba</a> this coming year, you can count on us for an authentic experience with a <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/about-us" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/about-us" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Jewish guide</a>.</p><h2>Remembering history</h2><p>Throughout the history of the Jewish community in Havana, there have been various practices for celebrating. This is due to the profound changes that have occurred in our nation, which inevitably affect the ways of carrying out the rituals. Both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews before 1959 observed the High Holidays according to their customs, fulfilled the mitzvot associated with Rosh Hashanah, and transmitted the teachings from generation to generation (L'dor vador).</p><p>Although the experience of both groups differs, there are common aspects: attending synagogue for prayers and listening to the sound of the Shofar, performing Tashlich (casting off sins by throwing bread into water), and celebrating with a dinner. Most testimonies reflect that at that time, the meal was an intimate, family practice, although there are records of a first group dinner in the late 1950s at what is now the Patronato of the Hebrew Community of Cuba House.</p><h2>Recent History: the Jewish Community of Havana.</h2><p>Starting in the 1990s, the JDC began to accompany the Community's revitalization processes. This meant an organizational resurgence for Cuban Jews and marked a key moment when religious services began to be held regularly and the Chagim (holidays) became systematized. The commitment of the rabbi as the spiritual guide and advisor for all processes is especially noteworthy.</p><p>The commemoration of the High Holidays benefited greatly from this new phase, and we can list the most significant moments of Rosh Hashanah in recent history: in the mid-to-late 1990s, many young people began to congregate; at the beginning of the 21st century, children played a special role thanks to their training in the Kabalito religious project; during the COVID-19 isolation, we held an extremely moving online service; and of course, after the pandemic, when we met again, we celebrated the holiday with renewed energy.</p><figure id="figure-45apso26vsmg2qyntr"><img id="45apso26vsmg2qyntr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bl9HSN0tYWloDSpBgrVc9Rt1qU7FUPuHoQCZrh2irDPUTYKYPK3j4noePako1Uc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bl9HSN0tYWloDSpBgrVc9Rt1qU7FUPuHoQCZrh2irDPUTYKYPK3j4noePako1Uc.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure><h2>Why is Rosh Hashanah in Havana so different, so special?</h2><figure id="figure-v18bz4oeo6mg2r1rif"><img id="v18bz4oeo6mg2r1rif" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eZKqsWQSU3CytGxOviCTZxZjH1LhQRQRTpZ1UX7kroOKgX4AkAZJCPcBZrp8QFiz.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eZKqsWQSU3CytGxOviCTZxZjH1LhQRQRTpZ1UX7kroOKgX4AkAZJCPcBZrp8QFiz.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 55%;"></figure><p>Cuban Jews enjoy a pleasant religious service, our hearts vibrate upon hearing the sound of the shofar, and we wish each other Shana Tova Umetuka. For some years now, these rituals have been led by members of our kehilah (community), most of them young people and teenagers, who take on the challenge with the necessary rigor and spirituality to ignite the inner essence of our souls, the Neshamah. Then we proceed to have a collective dinner where we bless the round Challah, share the food, eat apple with honey, and again chant the Shehecheyanu in gratitude for being all together at that moment.</p><p>Another very important element is that many members or people with Jewish ancestry who do not regularly attend synagogue come on that day (this also happens with Passover and Yom Kippur). It is the opportunity to see each other again, to share with family, closer together as a Community. Cuban Jews maintain a joyful attitude on this sacred day and avoid anger; we do not waste time on trivial matters. We prepare, remain calm, and maintain a positive and cheerful attitude towards all people, while preserving the seriousness and sanctity of the holiday. Rosh Hashanah is the occasion for reunion, where we share the soul and the sense of belonging; it is the way of saying "here we are: the Cuban Jewish Community."</p><figure id="figure-cec93hsoqdmg2r4xfp"><img id="cec93hsoqdmg2r4xfp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/287vl8twdTzZhXRdaQ5iz852tXESgOY0YMUrbnVmW5ktlcVEoRym5ZZKtPdubehl.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/287vl8twdTzZhXRdaQ5iz852tXESgOY0YMUrbnVmW5ktlcVEoRym5ZZKtPdubehl.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;"></figure><p>...</p><p>The editorial team of this blog wishes you a sweet and good year 5786. May we be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.</p><p>SHANA TOVA UMETUKA<br>TIZKU LESHANIM RABOT<br>G'MAR CHATIMA TOVA</p>

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