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<h2>The History of the Beth Shalom Synagogue in Havana</h2><p>Beth Shalom Synagogue, located in the heart of Havana, is a testament to the rich Jewish heritage that has thrived in Cuba for centuries. This historic synagogue stands as a symbol of resilience and community, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the country.</p><h3>Origins and Architecture</h3><p>Founded in 1953, Beth Shalom Synagogue&nbsp;was built during a time of prosperity for the Cuban Jewish community. It is part of a huge building: El Patronato de la Casa de la Comunidad Hebrea de Cuba, supported by the most wealthy part of the Ashkenazi community in Havana. The architect of this site was Aquiles Capablanca, family member of the famous Cuban chess player José Raúl Capablanca. Aquiles designed a unique and beautiful space for worship and reflection.</p><figure id="figure-befurxw8qlv1l6iqr"><img id="befurxw8qlv1l6iqr" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/covers/2aU8lY3pYjeNWjs3EccdYmW2JuHq0qwzCqjAEm062xrMoVpMGOI9p1WGyP1dyOzy.jpg" alt="Beth Shalom Synagogue in Havana" title="Beth Shalom Synagogue in Havana" 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://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/covers/2aU8lY3pYjeNWjs3EccdYmW2JuHq0qwzCqjAEm062xrMoVpMGOI9p1WGyP1dyOzy.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 100%;"></figure><h3>Cultural Significance</h3><p>Throughout its history, Beth Shalom Synagogue has served as a hub for Jewish cultural and religious activities in Havana. From weekly Shabbat services to holiday celebrations, the synagogue plays a vital role in preserving Jewish traditions in Cuba.</p><p>The temple is full of allegorical symbols of this millenary culture: the menorah, the 12 tribes of Israel, an arch that symbolizes the rainbow after the flood that God sent over the world and that is told in Genesis, among others.</p><h3>Community Outreach</h3><p>In addition to its religious services, Synagogue Beth Shalom is actively involved in community outreach programs. The synagogue hosts educational events, cultural exchanges, and charitable initiatives to support both the Jewish community and the wider Cuban society.</p><figure id="figure-x8bd0ssiylv1g4kgk"><img id="x8bd0ssiylv1g4kgk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19O2DjVZ50A7tb0LW7nTmLi36qWOTn6lSZyfK1ZnJQsFmP7rVVvVe0WhIF2PEVhB.jpg" alt="Religious service in Beth Shalom Synagogue" title="Religious service in Beth Shalom Synagogue" 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/blocks/19O2DjVZ50A7tb0LW7nTmLi36qWOTn6lSZyfK1ZnJQsFmP7rVVvVe0WhIF2PEVhB.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Restoration Efforts</h3><p>In 1999 this synagogue was in a very deteriorated state due to the inactivity and the migrations suffered by the Cuban Jewish community between the 1960s and 1980s. Thanks to the leadership of important Jewish personalities in the Cuban community such as Dr. José Miller and Adela Dworin; as well as the economic support of the JDC (American Joint Distribution Committee), Cuban Jewish families living in South Florida and other donors from the United States, it was possible to carry out a total restoration of the building that lasted several years and that resulted in the appearance it preserves today.</p><figure id="figure-u9mwhfba8lv2t14sb"><img id="u9mwhfba8lv2t14sb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5rAiSjiNZjqVBRbVuTlubLbfArUnAlVl5MPTvnaLtRatPYRjX0GA550O12oruHbx.jpg" alt="Inside of the Beth Shalom Synagogue" title="Inside of the Beth Shalom Synagogue" 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/blocks/5rAiSjiNZjqVBRbVuTlubLbfArUnAlVl5MPTvnaLtRatPYRjX0GA550O12oruHbx.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Visiting Synagogue Beth Shalom</h3><p>For those interested in exploring the history of Cuban Jewry, a visit to Beth Shalom Synagogue is a must. Guided tours are available for visitors to learn about the synagogue's past, present, and future, providing a deeper understanding of the Jewish experience in Cuba. </p><p>For booking a visit to Beth Shalom contact us by email clicking <a data-mce-href="mailto:havanajewishtour@gmail.com" href="mailto:havanajewishtour@gmail.com"><strong>here</strong></a></p><figure id="figure-grim5wnobllv1g4lm3"><img id="grim5wnobllv1g4lm3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/media/2cHIDuM9zIInxe1o4wy5Bb1Dm0QdnWMYd6Y3dwlIhu4TRZFIU8aQE1PO9PQyKYq9.jpg" alt="Beth Shalom Synagogue Visit" title="Beth Shalom Synagogue Visit" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: null% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="null%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/media/2cHIDuM9zIInxe1o4wy5Bb1Dm0QdnWMYd6Y3dwlIhu4TRZFIU8aQE1PO9PQyKYq9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: null% 50%;"></figure><h3>Legacy and Future</h3><p>As Beth Shalom continues to thrive in Havana, its legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of the Cuban Jewish community. With a commitment to tradition and innovation, the synagogue looks towards the future with hope and resilience.</p><p>Exploring the rich history of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Havana offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural heritage of Cuba's Jewish population. From its architectural beauty to its community engagement, the synagogue stands as a beacon of faith and unity in the heart of the Caribbean.</p><figure id="figure-bgxw19st3ulv1g4n3s"><img id="bgxw19st3ulv1g4n3s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22qJk0XHPYix0cdytXM1ozA8qO8250dpXdQBdRjlQrF6um4yURffuXiEPlT9nLBK.jpg" alt="Hanukkah celebration in Beth Shalom Synagogue" title="Hanukkah celebration in Beth Shalom Synagogue" 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"/></figure>

Beth Shalom Synagogue: a symbol of the Jewish Cuba

<p>Cuba, a jewel of the Caribbean, attracts travelers from around the world for its unique charm and rich history. With white-sand beaches, colonial cities and a culture that fuses Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, Cuba offers an unparalleled tourist experience.</p><p>In addition to this, the Jewish heritage on the island is a very interesting element that is often unknown, but is undoubtedly a sign of the cultural integration that exists in Cuba. From Havana Jewish Tour, we want to tell you about activities that you cannot miss in your Jewish trip to Cuba.</p><h2>1. Visit "El Patronato" (Beth Shalom Synagogue)</h2><figure id="figure-f9lm9rkj8plt64osqd" class=""><img id="f9lm9rkj8plt64osqd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/eEEsF4jd6MdlHzihvGAoVDiQrW2CdPYmJVIaLq89FFpBWe0xLkbEZR5JWdWzhpTg.jpg" alt="Beth Shalom Synagogue" 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="Beth Shalom Synagogue" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/eEEsF4jd6MdlHzihvGAoVDiQrW2CdPYmJVIaLq89FFpBWe0xLkbEZR5JWdWzhpTg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Beth Shalom Synagogue</figcaption></figure><p>Founded in the 1950s, it is possibly the most important synagogue in the country today. It is the headquarters of the entire Jewish community of Cuba.&nbsp;<br>Originally, it was an orthodox synagogue founded by part of the wealthier community of Ashkenazi Jews. After the rebirth of Jewish life in the country in the 1990s, it became a conservative congregation and is currently the synagogue that gathers the most Jews in the country. In addition to a beautiful temple, it features a community center that includes a library, a community pharmacy, a lounge, classrooms for a Jewish Sunday school, offices, etc.</p><h2>2. Visit the Holocaust Memorial at the Sephardic Hebrew Center</h2><figure id="figure-8tuuxcruwolt64uodr" class=""><img id="8tuuxcruwolt64uodr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38tM36iIktIwYXwwckxt10en376Ov8fkFXcUgVX0FF5rFMQMJAGnngwDXIc2pDHw.jpg" alt="Sephardic Hebrew Center" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Sephardic Hebrew Center" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="25%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38tM36iIktIwYXwwckxt10en376Ov8fkFXcUgVX0FF5rFMQMJAGnngwDXIc2pDHw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 25%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Sephardic Hebrew Center</figcaption></figure><p>Founded in 1959, the Sephardic Hebrew Center is a place to honor the Sephardic presence in Cuba. It also houses a Holocaust Memorial within its facilities.&nbsp;<br>This memorial is a unique space of its kind in the country, to remember the Jewish victims of Nazi barbarism. It also contains the history of the St. Louis ship, which relates the history of Cuba with the migratory difficulties that the Jewish refugees presented in this stage.</p><h2>3. Visit Adath Israel Synagogue</h2><figure id="figure-9buhupg86dlt66js7q" class=""><img id="9buhupg86dlt66js7q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7ClCPBVxrnQqkuTbEmTD3p4j7ms5guvCheDHrvMmzFc0NF4QQesPQDFvOgIEdOKH.jpg" alt="Adath Israel Synagogue" 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="Adath Israel Synagogue" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7ClCPBVxrnQqkuTbEmTD3p4j7ms5guvCheDHrvMmzFc0NF4QQesPQDFvOgIEdOKH.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Adath Israel Synagogue</figcaption></figure><p>Adath Israel was founded in 1959 by Ashkenazi Jews coming mainly from Poland and Russia, with a very traditional religious tendency who settled in Old Havana. It is currently the only Orthodox synagogue in the country. Its facilities include a prayer hall with 600 seats, a mikveh, a hall for activities and a library with important books on the history of the Jewish presence on the island.</p><h2>4. Visit the Jewish Cemetery of Guanabacoa</h2><figure id="figure-jx153awt7olt66mh7l" class=""><img id="jx153awt7olt66mh7l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3at6AbeXQ0YUWiKFvcGC6vkh0Rg19W2NoVWz0LzfnBtHJCxjdEdFn2uchCDcPPSp.jpg" alt="Ashkenazi Jewish Cementery in Havana" 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="Ashkenazi Jewish Cementery in Havana" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3at6AbeXQ0YUWiKFvcGC6vkh0Rg19W2NoVWz0LzfnBtHJCxjdEdFn2uchCDcPPSp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Ashkenazi Jewish Cementery in Havana</figcaption></figure><p>The Jewish cemetery of Guanabacoa, located in the province of Havana, is commonly referred to as the Ashkenazi cemetery, although very close to it is also the Sefaradi cemetery. It was erected in 1910 by members of the United Hebrew Congregation, which is considered the first Jewish community in the country.&nbsp;<br>In it lie buried the remains of important Jewish personalities for the country and for this community such as Abraham Marcus Matterin, Jaime Sarusky and José Miller.</p><h2>5. Celebrate a Shabbat or important holidays with the Cuban Jewish community</h2><p><br></p><figure id="figure-9bg7x9ccaqlt66w3ao" class=""><img id="9bg7x9ccaqlt66w3ao" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bOsg3k1yBQkh2ECp7KxEZlk3gx4StKyR87TL7LQtnCbLoNvB22WFxrAkI2kd9kd.jpg" alt="Hanukkah celebration in Beth Shalom Synagogue" 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="Hanukkah celebration in Beth Shalom Synagogue" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bOsg3k1yBQkh2ECp7KxEZlk3gx4StKyR87TL7LQtnCbLoNvB22WFxrAkI2kd9kd.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Hanukkah celebration in Beth Shalom Synagogue</figcaption></figure><p>One of the most attractive activities for visitors on a Jewish trip to Cuba is to take part in religious services on Shabbat and other holidays.&nbsp;<br>The synagogue with the most congregants is Beth Shalom, which has a conservative tendency. In this temple, religious services are mostly led by young men and women who, after doing their Bar Mitzvah, have decided to contribute to their community in this way.&nbsp;<br>On Pesach there is usually a community seder with kosher food for this holiday. At Hanukkah, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Purim and other holidays, the community also remains open for visitors who wish to share this time with Cuban Jews.</p><h2>6. Stay at the kosher&nbsp;boutique hotel Chateau Blanc</h2><figure id="figure-ouna7bd6ozlt6a5u1c" class=""><img id="ouna7bd6ozlt6a5u1c" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0XZEwgbzaR0evpFSwaJhmPuIonFXFyhSclkPhqEJ85VmN5dF7o19yJaDPreVcxlR.jpg" alt="Chateau Blanc" 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="Chateau Blanc" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0XZEwgbzaR0evpFSwaJhmPuIonFXFyhSclkPhqEJ85VmN5dF7o19yJaDPreVcxlR.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Chateau Blanc</figcaption></figure><p>Chateau Blanc, which is the first kosher boutique hotel, to date, on the island. Founded in 2018 by Cuban-American Jews, it is located in Nuevo Vedado, a residential area with a diverse population of artists, celebrities, and professionals. It is certified member property of the exclusive Hamsa ® travel brand.&nbsp;<br>Chateau Blanc is pleased to provide a variety of in-house dining and entertainment options. &nbsp;Breakfast is served daily and snacks and beverages are available in the kitchenettes located on the second and third floors. &nbsp;In the evenings or during happy hours, relax with a drink and some music at POSH, our rooftop bar and lounge with air conditioned interiors and a large open terrace for outside seating and smoking. To learn more about this unique Cuban place and its kosher menu, visit their website by clicking here.</p><h2>7. See a performance of the Rikudim groups</h2><figure id="figure-yvrq15rg18lt6a8mko" class=""><img id="yvrq15rg18lt6a8mko" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3azIsQEKvJW1wu0ZZ2nV709Yg37LISkaBoxUKlrr8vNC8DqxZ61t3F5GvHDbhEfj.jpg" alt="Emunah group perfomance on Hanukkah" 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="Emunah group perfomance on Hanukkah" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3azIsQEKvJW1wu0ZZ2nV709Yg37LISkaBoxUKlrr8vNC8DqxZ61t3F5GvHDbhEfj.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Emunah group perfomance on Hanukkah</figcaption></figure><p>The Rikudim program, Jewish folk dances, is one of the most popular community projects in Cuba. Since the 1990s, the first Rikudim group was founded in Havana to attract, at first, young people from Jewish families who were distanced from community life. This first group, Emunah, which brought together young Cuban Jews, continues to delight locals and visitors with its performances. In addition to this group, there is Darkeinu, a group of middle-aged people; Hai, the children's group and before the pandemic there was a group of older people called Jibukim. Likewise, in other communities in the rest of the country the practice of rikudim has been carried out.If you make a Jewish trip to Cuba you should not miss presentations of rikudim groups at the end of a Kabalat Shabbat or on holidays such as Purim, Hanukah, Yom Hatzmaut or other opportunities.</p><h2>8. Visit the Jewish Sunday School "Albert Einstein"</h2><figure id="figure-b0f8o860uwlt6ecwto" class=""><img id="b0f8o860uwlt6ecwto" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34hJR3LLn53uBI9jd0JmrOOdAO55zfdwfFAdydJ5Kw7zpwVjOBP43OUS32dMnAgQ.jpg" alt="Jewish Sunday School " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Jewish Sunday School " data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34hJR3LLn53uBI9jd0JmrOOdAO55zfdwfFAdydJ5Kw7zpwVjOBP43OUS32dMnAgQ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined% 100%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Jewish Sunday School "Albert Einstein"</figcaption></figure><p>Although all schools in Cuba are public schools, Cuban Jews are allowed a Jewish school that operates on Sundays to bring families in the community closer to Jewish life. This school has students from very young children to seniors. It is very interesting for many visitors to learn on a Sunday how Jewish education is promoted in Cuba. So if on your Jewish trip to Cuba you want to know about the education of the members of this community, without a doubt the Sunday School "Albert Einstein" is a place to visit.&nbsp;</p><h2>9. Visit Jewish communities in other cities in the country</h2><p><img id="mp37ndcvyplt6ehzai" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22HoWEuHSmYaz7upJABvs2fz8PJnDk9Y3xPhyxbEoozJqgkNChH6PKvsm8CaMXG9.jpg" alt="4:51pm" 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="Tiferet Israel Synagogue, in Camagüey" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22HoWEuHSmYaz7upJABvs2fz8PJnDk9Y3xPhyxbEoozJqgkNChH6PKvsm8CaMXG9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></p><p>Tiferet Israel Synagogue, in Camagüey<br><br>Although about 90% of the members of the Cuban Jewish community are located in Havana, there are also small communities in other cities of the country: Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Camagüey, Manzanillo, Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo. Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba have synagogues: Tiferet Israel and Hatikvah respectively. Other communities, such as Santa Clara, even have a Jewish cemetery. It is good that on your Jewish trip to Cuba, while you can enjoy the tourist attractions of the other cities of the country, you can also learn about the local Jewish presence.</p><h2>10. Make donations to the projects of the Cuban Jewish community</h2><figure id="figure-9mkoffqyoelt6ejibf"><img id="9mkoffqyoelt6ejibf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28CGndeXaMZscQROpbQe4C1CwGh54d0WuQpvlPrqamgmeDBXiR8GUty2b8AxM393.jpg" alt="Community Pharmacy" 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="Community Pharmacy" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28CGndeXaMZscQROpbQe4C1CwGh54d0WuQpvlPrqamgmeDBXiR8GUty2b8AxM393.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Community Pharmacy</figcaption></figure><p>The Jewish community maintains all its activities through donations, so if you make a Jewish trip to Cuba, a good way to help the community is to donate whatever you wish. One of the main projects that this community has is a community pharmacy that delivers free medicines donated by visitors, to Jewish and non-Jewish people who come to the facilities requesting help with the medical prescription in case it is necessary. It also has a project called Kesher, which is in charge of caring for people with special needs, sick and elderly adults in the community. As part of this project, food, cleaning products and medicines are delivered to Cuban Jewish families. So you should know that your donations will always be benefiting a Cuban Jewish family.</p><p>Don't forget that from Havana Jewish Tour we can include in your stay in Cuba, each of these things to do that we recommend. A Jewish trip to Cuba will always be a pleasant experience for any visitor. To request a Jewish tour in Cuba, please contact us at this <a data-mce-href="http://www.havanajewishtour.com" href="http://www.havanajewishtour.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">page</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

10 things to do on a Jewish trip to Cuba

<p>If you are planning a trip to Havana, Cuba, and are interested in exploring the Jewish heritage and culture of the city, then a Havana Jewish Tour is a must-do activity.</p><h2>What is Havana Jewish Tour?</h2><p>At Havana Jewish Tour, we are proud to offer tour guide services focused on showcasing Havana's rich Jewish heritage and current affairs from the perspective of the members of this community themselves. Our mission is to create attractive and educational tourist experiences focused on blending Cuban Jewish heritage with the enjoyment of the local attractions of the Cuban capital.&nbsp;</p><h2>Abel, our tour guide</h2><p>Our guide, Abel Hernández Eskenazi, 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. Abel has a degree in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering, but he is also an enthusiastic student of Jewish history in Cuba. This combination of backgrounds led him to participate in the development of the app "Jews in Cuban History" about the impact of the Jewish minority in the different Cuban historical periods.</p><figure id="figure-zvdt6sqxnll2wocmb"><img id="zvdt6sqxnll2wocmb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fm28yheLcWChpl5rF5eMnUgCDnnWlGZPaDv1CbZ8u0hHn6w9WISgWpUBo86VTkY.jpg" alt="Abel, the guide of Havana Jewish Tour" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 70% center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Abel Hernández Eskenazi, our guide." data-positionx="70%" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fm28yheLcWChpl5rF5eMnUgCDnnWlGZPaDv1CbZ8u0hHn6w9WISgWpUBo86VTkY.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 70% center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Abel Hernández Eskenazi, our guide.</figcaption></figure><h2>What do we offer at Havana Jewish Tour?</h2><p>In Havana Jewish Tour we can offer a series of services that seek to connect the visitor directly with the heritage and current affairs of the Jewish community in Havana.&nbsp;<br>In Walking Jewish Tour we walk through some of the most important Jewish places in the history of the Jewish presence in Havana. It can be offered both in the Vedado neighborhood and in Old Havana. It can include visits to the 3 active synagogues in Havana, a holocaust memorial museum, a library, classrooms of the only Jewish school in the country, the community pharmacy and the building of the first Jewish institution in the country. Taking a taxi can also include a visit to the only kosher boutique hotel in the country, Chateau Blanc, and a kosher lunch, should the visitor so desire. For more details about this service please visit the Walking Jewish Tour <strong><a title="Walking Jewish Tour in Havana" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/jewish-havana-walking-tour" data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/jewish-havana-walking-tour">here</a>.</strong></p><figure id="figure-9ygj9x786nll2wof5i" class=""><img id="9ygj9x786nll2wof5i" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/32GIh4hLHnNo4xGwA4WcC0v4qPBe6WO086QPpIuuBz9fl8U602KszE1vNbp06P44.jpg" alt="Walking Jewish Tour in Havana" 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="Walking Jewish Tour in Havana" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/32GIh4hLHnNo4xGwA4WcC0v4qPBe6WO086QPpIuuBz9fl8U602KszE1vNbp06P44.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Walking Jewish Tour in Havana</figcaption></figure><p>In Classic Car Jewish Tour we offer the possibility of visiting the Jewish sites mentioned above, both in Vedado and Old Havana, from the comfort and elegance of a vintage car. We also include the possibility of visiting the Jewish cemetery of Guanabacoa, which due to its remoteness can only be included in a tour with transportation. It also has the possibility of including the visit to attractive places in Havana such as the Capitol, the National Hotel, the Malecon, El Morro Fortress, etc. For more details about this service please visit the Classic Car Jewish Tour <strong><a title="Classic Car Jewish Tour in Havana" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/classic-car-jewish-tour" data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/classic-car-jewish-tour">here</a>.</strong></p><figure id="figure-v0b7lm5w3kll2woher" class=""><img id="v0b7lm5w3kll2woher" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/2fVAHMa430E0oAobtMLPo7neCFFOyhooIE9XXgPDRYQzBns4KhBzmm5t0RbOrTaO.jpg" alt="Classic Car Jewish Tour" 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="Classic Car Jewish Tour" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/2fVAHMa430E0oAobtMLPo7neCFFOyhooIE9XXgPDRYQzBns4KhBzmm5t0RbOrTaO.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Classic Car Jewish Tour</figcaption></figure><p>&nbsp;At Havana Jewish Tour we complement your visit to Cuba's Jewish heritage with local attractions in Havana. That's why we also offer you the possibility to tell us which places in the city or the country you wish to visit and then we will prepare an itinerary that will make your wishes come true. To learn more about our On Demand service, please visit <strong><a title="On Demand Tour" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/on-demand-tours" data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/on-demand-tours">here</a></strong>.</p><figure id="figure-qvez6y0e3lrzs8vwg" class=""><img id="qvez6y0e3lrzs8vwg" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1584098179937-a62ca831b21f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNnx8SGF2YW5hJTIwSmV3aXNoJTIwVG91cnxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTE1NTcxODZ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="On Demand tour in Cuba" 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="On Demand Tour" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1584098179937-a62ca831b21f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNnx8SGF2YW5hJTIwSmV3aXNoJTIwVG91cnxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTE1NTcxODZ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">On Demand Tour</figcaption></figure><p>The connection of Cuban culture with dance and music is well known in the world. At Havana Jewish Tour we offer salsa and rikudim (traditional Jewish dances)&nbsp; lessons to immerse you in the best of Jewish and Cuban tradition and create an unforgettable experience for any visitor. To learn more about our Salsa/Rikudim lessons, please visit <strong><a href="https://havanajewishtour.com/salsa-and-rikudim-lessons" data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/salsa-and-rikudim-lessons">here</a></strong>.</p><figure id="figure-1ycxwxi235ls1590io" class=""><img id="1ycxwxi235ls1590io" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/4tY6ULyrIVXTtTPpFV29I31n7n0j70Frog8m3wUlgoHnuGbzTDb1tSdAM9twmXGD.jpg" alt="Salsa/Rikudim lessons in Havana" 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="Salsa/Rikudim lessons in Havana" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/4tY6ULyrIVXTtTPpFV29I31n7n0j70Frog8m3wUlgoHnuGbzTDb1tSdAM9twmXGD.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Salsa/Rikudim lessons in Havana</figcaption></figure><p>We also want you to take a piece of your journey home with you and share it with the rest of your family. That is why we offer the sale of Jewish-Cuban souvenirs that will allow you to immortalize your Jewish heritage trip. To learn more about our Cuba Jewish Souvenirs, please visit <strong><a href="https://havanajewishtour.com/cuban-jewish-souvenirs" data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/cuban-jewish-souvenirs">here</a>.</strong></p><figure id="figure-vuqdqkun5mls170kho" class=""><img id="vuqdqkun5mls170kho" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/15cON9Se2HAFlZkQjykp9ViBUMKQmTRnInFOZbZqWnwE8jxsnq9jmIxwtwlRV4DS.jpg" alt="Cuban Jewish Souvenirs" 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="Cuban Jewish Souvenirs" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/15cON9Se2HAFlZkQjykp9ViBUMKQmTRnInFOZbZqWnwE8jxsnq9jmIxwtwlRV4DS.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Cuban Jewish Souvenirs</figcaption></figure><p>Likewise, from Havana Jewish Tour we can offer virtual tours about the history of the Cuban Jewish community, as well as about the current situation of this community and the challenges it faces. If you represent an educational center that wants to address the subject of Jews in Cuba or a virtual tourism agency also focused on Jewish heritage, you can contact us to organize a virtual tour for your audience. To learn more about our Jewish Cuba Virtual Tour, please visit <strong><a href="https://havanajewishtour.com/jewish-cuba-virtual-tour" data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/jewish-cuba-virtual-tour">here</a></strong>.</p><figure id="figure-jbhawqt4rls185zfd"><img id="jbhawqt4rls185zfd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dGZW5m7k3uOkQRG5eCnAucRtUkSfipTLAkpO1CGBE6IYExpEAZGKPJVwzpwYBaM.jpg" alt="Jewish Cuba Virtual Tour" 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="Jewish Cuba Virtual Tour" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dGZW5m7k3uOkQRG5eCnAucRtUkSfipTLAkpO1CGBE6IYExpEAZGKPJVwzpwYBaM.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Jewish Cuba Virtual Tour</figcaption></figure><h2>Why Havana Jewish Tour is the best option?</h2><p>Havana Jewish Tour is a tourist experience project specialized in the public interested in learning about the history and reality of the Cuban Jewish community, therefore employing a guide who is one of the most active members of the community and who is involved in more projects of the community. We can also complement the Jewish heritage tours with attractions in Havana such as classic cars or visits to tourist sites in this city and the country in general. We give you the opportunity to participate in a unique dance class of its kind in the country, in which we mix salsa and traditional Jewish dances. We offer you personalized souvenirs with a Cuban Jewish theme. We can arrange your visit and accommodation in a kosher hotel and your participation in the religious services held in Havana's synagogues. What else do you need?&nbsp;<br>We are the best way to connect with Jewish heritage in Havana.</p>

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