The Blogs: Beth Shalom Synagogue: A Glimpse into Havana’s Vibrant Jewish Heritage

Beth Shalom Temple, also known as “El Patronato,” is the largest Jewish congregation and community center in Havana, Cuba. Established in 1953 in the Vedado neighborhood, it became the center of Jewish life on the island. Designed by architect Aquiles Apablanca, the Gran Sinagoga features symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel and a modernist arch. In 1981, much of the building was sold to the state and converted into the Bertolt Brecht Cultural Center, leaving only part of the structure in Jewish hands today. Despite this, Beth Shalom remains a symbol of faith and resilience in Cuba’s Jewish community.

El Patronato (Beth Shalom), New York Jewish Travel Guide

Revitalizing Beth Shalom Synagogue

By 1999, Beth Shalom had fallen into severe disrepair due to community decline and migration. Thanks to leaders like Dr. José Miller Z’L and Adela Dworin Z’L, along with financial support from the JDC, South Florida’s Cuban Jewish families, and U.S. donors, a major restoration transformed the synagogue into the headquarters of Cuba’s Jewish community.

The synagogue spans two buildings: one houses the sanctuary and religious artifacts, while the community center features the Marcus Matterin Library, a 14,000-book collection covering Judaism, Cuban history, and world literature, honoring Jewish intellectual Abraham Marcus Matterin Z’L.

Beyond the library, the community center includes offices, a social hall, conference rooms, and displays of Jewish artifacts donated by foreign visitors, covering nearly every available surface. The community also continues its educational mission through “Majon Albert Einstein,” a Jewish studies school that serves both youth and adults in the Havana Jewish community.

“Majon Albert Einstein” at El Patronato (Beth Shalom), capturing a moment at the heart of the vibrant Jewish community in Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Center houses the local federation and a pharmacy providing scarce medical supplies free of charge to Jews, gentiles, and even Havana’s general hospital. A framed note from Steven Spielberg (2002) hangs in the lobby.

I joined The Jews of Cuba: A Marriage of Culture with Jewish Heritage Travel, an in-depth journey led by Cuban native Miriam Levinson, whose expertise and personal connection brought Cuba’s Jewish heritage to life.

At the synagogue entrance, a sign in Spanish reads, “Let the hostages come home now.” Miriam noted that a media organization opposing Israel stands across the street, seeing this message daily— “Bring them home.”

The sign, written in Spanish, reads: “Let the hostages come home now.” Displayed at El Patronato (Beth Shalom). – New York Jewish Travel Guide

“In Cuba, Judaism is practiced openly,” Miriam said, contrasting it with European cities where synagogues are often discreet. In Cuba, no security checks or IDs are required to enter synagogues, even on Friday nights.

She fondly recalled the synagogue’s former social hall, once hosting weddings with up to 800 guests. Every bride dreamed of walking its steps, with lavish celebrations and custom dresses from Miami or La Canto. Now, due to a declining Jewish population, the hall has become a theater, though the Star of David remains on the floor.

Brit Milah (circumcision) is typically performed in hospitals with government approval, which is always granted. A mohel may be brought in, but hospital procedures are more common.

Chabad has no permanent presence in Cuba due to strained relations. Unlike Orthodox tradition, Cuba follows Conservative guidelines, recognizing children as Jewish if a grandparent is Jewish and the parents convert. While Israel accepts this, Chabad does not, causing disputes over the Law of Return. However, Chabad visits during Passover, hosting seders for Jewish families.

Community Outreach

Synagogue Beth Shalom fosters community engagement through education, cultural exchanges, and charity. Key events include Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut on May 14, strengthening ties with Israel, and Yom HaShoah, marked with memorials at Guanabacoa Cemetery and local synagogues.

Jewish Education at El Patronato (Beth Shalom) – A Glimpse into Havana’s Jewish Classroom, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Rising Young Leaders

At Beth Shalom in Havana, young Jews play a vital role in sustaining the community, taking on responsibilities typically held by a rabbi. With no full-time rabbi, lay leaders—many under 25—lead prayers, read from the Torah, and revitalize the synagogue. Rabbi Pinchas Ruzal visits from Chile several times a year to provide guidance.

Friday night Shabbat services are lively, with young congregants singing and leading prayers, followed by a communal dinner and traditional Hebrew dance. Despite losing two generations to history, a new one thrives, attending Sunday school and serving as madrichim (leaders).

Hella Ashkenazi, Beth Shalom’s vice president, emphasized that Cuba is free of antisemitism. While the government is pro-Palestinian, Cuban society remains welcoming, and Jewish students integrate seamlessly into everyday life.

For Passover, our community gathers over 200 people, coming together as one large family. What sets us apart is the way we celebrate—creating a sense of unity that feels distinct from the outside world. A key example is the support we receive from the Jewish Congress of Canada, which provides us with a container of Passover food and supplies each year. Thanks to their generosity, every family in our community is equipped with everything they need to observe the entire week of Passover.

Beth Shalom’s youth organization fosters a strong sense of family, welcoming members after their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. One congregant shared, “I have many brothers and sisters here without any blood connection.” The synagogue keeps young members engaged with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and computers.

Its youth come from diverse backgrounds—some raised Jewish, others converting through months of study before appearing before a Beit Din to finalize their journey.

“These young people are the future leaders of our community,” said one community member. “Without the dedication and pride of our youth, the Jewish community faces the risk of dwindling to the point of extinction.”

In the last four years, the synagogue has overseen eighty conversions and nine bar mitzvahs. With a small Jewish population, intermarriage is common. Converts must be linked to a Jewish family and are encouraged to embrace their heritage and traditions. Intermarriage rates are around 90 percent. Those choosing to convert must take classes for over a year and pass an exam before appearing before the rabbinical court for final approval.

The Jewish community in Cuba consists of approximately 800 to 850 members in Havana, with over 100 more living in eastern cities such as Santa Clara, Camagüey, and Santiago de Cuba. While emigration continues, there is a strong sense of resilience among those who have chosen to stay in Cuba. The community’s commitment to maintaining Jewish identity and culture is a testament to their dedication to their faith and history. For them, being Jewish in Cuba is not just about the past but about a future in which they remain an integral part of the island’s rich tapestry.

Hella Ashkenazi and JHT Group at El Patronato – Connecting with Havana’s Jewish Community, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Heritage and Vision

Beth Shalom stands as a testament to the resilience of Cuba’s Jewish community, blending tradition with innovation. Over the years, notable visitors have included Steven Spielberg, Jimmy Carter (2011), and Fidel Castro, who visited during Hanukkah in 1998, followed by Raúl Castro in 2010.

A key community highlight is the Maccabi Games, where they proudly won five medals. Looking ahead, they are preparing for the 2025 Maccabiah in Israel, with team members competing in softball and soccer.

The Jewish community in Cuba, led by the dedicated and resilient members of Beth Shalom, continues to thrive despite the challenges of history and geography. Through the commitment of young leaders, a strong sense of community, and unwavering support from international Jewish organizations, this vibrant community ensures that Jewish traditions, culture, and identity endure for future generations. The spirit of unity and dedication to preserving their heritage, whether through Passover celebrations, educational programs, or sporting achievements, reflects a deep-rooted bond that transcends borders. As they look toward the future with hope, the Jewish community in Cuba remains a living testament to the enduring strength of faith and the power of family.

For more information:

By Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide & New York Jewish Guide

This unforgettable journey was graciously hosted by The Jewish Heritage Travel, with heartfelt thanks to Luis Arteaga and Miriam Levinson for organizing such a remarkable and unique experience.

A special thanks to Vickie Prince for her knowledgeable and engaging guiding, bringing Havana’s hidden gems and history to life with her insights and enthusiasm.

—

For details on upcoming trips and to request a travel brochure, contact The Jewish Heritage Travel at https://jhtravel.org/ or call 1.845.256.0197.