Jewish Trips to Cuba

This is an overdue (apologies Abel!) accolade regarding the time we spent with Abel on our visit to Cuba earlier this year. Honestly, considering the small Jewish community in the country (relative to when my family lived there) I was not sure what to expect when my wife arranged for our tour. I shouldn’t have been concerned. Abel was such a great host - AND person. We spent a number of hours walking through - and learning about, places that are important in Cuban Jewish life, and additionally others which were significant in my own family’s history. During our time together, Abel shared his family’s background with us, and even after our tour was completed, he walked around with us as we continued to search out other locations that were personally relevant (including being with us when we found the apartment in which my mom and grandparents lived at in Havana). Our time with him was one of the highlights of our trip, and we would recommend anyone that is interested in exploring Jewish Havana to reach out to him. Abel, te echamos de menos y ojala que te encuentras bien.

Abel was a great resource to educate our group on the history of Jewish people and the practice of the Judaism in Cuba. I learned quite a bit from Abel. His knowledge of the past and his engagement in the present Jewish community is inspiring. I recommend using Abel as a top rated tour guide for any of his offered tours in Cuba!

Abel is great. We really enjoyed our tour with him and got to see the two synagouges in Havana. Great way to learn about and support Jewish life there. Hatzlacha!

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.

Our two Jewish heritage walking tours with Abel Hernandez Eskenazi in Vedado and Old Havana were among the most enjoyable and enlightening aspects of our visit to Cuba. The Beth Shalom synagogue, and the Sephardic Hebrew Center next to it, are a wonderful tribute to the Hebrew culture and its ongoing presence in Cuba, and it was most interesting to see the photos on display showing the very active participation of its Jewish congregation past and present. We were deeply moved by the exhibition in the Holocaust Memorial Museum on site, and we loved visiting the elegant Hotel Raquel with its beautiful glass ceiling and uniquely named rooms. We gained important insights into Jewish life in Cuba and greatly enjoyed spending time with Abel, our marvelous guide. We highly recommend both Jewish heritage tours. Annette and Jonathan

What excellent tour was provided by us through this young smart jewish tour guide!!! We lack of words of his knowledge about jewish cuban history and their roots. Indeed, Havana Jewish Tour is highly recommended because they are profesionals and their English is perfect. This is also part of cuban history. Thanks. It worths the travel.

My wife and I and two friends had a wonderful time on the tour. Our tour guide, Abel, was very knowledgeable and friendly. He provided a great Havana Jewish experience for us. I highly recommend this tour.

Visitar Cuba y encontrarse con Abel es sin duda el diferencial del viaje! Disfrutamos muchísimo de un tour muy enriquecedor, completo de conocimiento, por sitios sumamente interesantes. Muchas gracias Abel por enseñarnos sobre tus orígenes y la comunidad, y por el entusiasmo contagioso que le pones a tu trabajo, fue un placer! Recomendamos tus tours sin lugar a dudas! Un must al viajar a Cuba.

Abel fue un guia maravilloso. Conoce la judería y nos llevó a todos los puntos de interés. Disfrutamos mucho del tour. De conocer acerca de la comunidad judía, las sinagogas y los lugares icónicos de la historia judía en La Habana. Lo recomiendo ampliamente.