The Sephardic Hebrew Center in Havana stands as a cornerstone of Jewish life in Cuba, preserving the cultural and religious identity of its community for generations. Founded by Sephardic immigrants from Turkey, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire, the center embodies the spirit of a community that left its homelands in search of opportunity and safety, bringing with them rich traditions, language, and customs that have shaped Jewish life in Havana to this day. From its earliest days, the Sephardic Hebrew Center served not only as a synagogue but also as a cultural hub, a place where Ladino songs filled the air, traditional dishes graced Shabbat tables, and Sephardic history and identity were passed down from parents to children.

One of the center’s most impactful features is its permanent exhibition, titled “The Holocaust and the Rebirth of a Living Community.” This powerful display offers a poignant reflection on the tragic fate of European Jewry and the resilience of those who found refuge in Cuba. Through photographs, personal stories, and historical artifacts, the exhibit honors those lost while celebrating the courage of those who rebuilt their lives on Cuban soil. Visitors from around the world, along with locals eager to learn more about the island’s Jewish story, view the exhibit not only as a memorial but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of Jewish survival and renewal.

A permanent exhibition, titled “The Holocaust and the Rebirth of a Living Community,” Sephardic Hebrew Center, Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

The USC Shoah Foundation Institute, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and exhibit design company Conscience Display collaborated on this project. The exhibit serves several functions: it highlights the Jewish community in Cuba, educates Cubans about their Jewish heritage, and sheds light on an important part of Cuban history for visitors from around the world.

For decades, religious leadership at the Sephardic Hebrew Center has been supported by Rabbi Eduardo Chaimovitch from Chile. Having made over 200 visits to Cuba, Rabbi Chaimovitch has provided spiritual guidance, led services, and offered leadership training to the local Jewish community. In the absence of a resident rabbi, he has become a beloved and trusted figure, ensuring the continuity of Jewish life and the preservation of traditions in a community that has long relied on visiting clergy. Though not officially recognized as Cuba’s chief rabbi, his unwavering dedication and continuous presence have made him an unofficial spiritual guide, strengthening ties between Cuba’s Jewish community and the broader Latin American Jewish world.

Alongside him, local leaders like Vice President Samuel Konovalov are resolutely committed to sustaining the community, despite the significant challenge of operating without financial support from the Cuban government. In the face of these obstacles, they tirelessly work to ensure the Sephardic Hebrew Center remains a vital religious and cultural hub for Havana’s Jewish population. Much of the synagogue’s funding comes from international donations, particularly from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which has been supporting Cuba’s Jewish community since 1992. While this external aid has been crucial in funding community programs and maintaining the center’s physical space, the heart of the community’s resilience lies in the determination and perseverance of its members.

Vice President Samuel Konovalov, Sephardic Hebrew Center, Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Among the synagogue’s most cherished possessions are its Torah scrolls, each one carrying a unique story that reflects the rich history of Cuban Jewry. As Samuel Konovalov, Vice President of the Sephardic Hebrew Center, shared, “There are three Torahs; two have been in Cuba for over 100 years, and the third was donated by a congregation from Massachusetts about 10 years ago.” These sacred scrolls serve as a tangible connection between the past and the present, bridging the generations. They link today’s worshippers with the prayers and traditions of their ancestors, who journeyed across oceans to find a new home in Cuba, bringing with them the enduring faith that continues to thrive.

The Sephardic Hebrew Center remains a vibrant gathering place for Shabbat dinners and community celebrations. Despite the small Jewish population in Havana, these communal meals are lively occasions, where Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly with the warmth and hospitality of Cuban culture. These gatherings do more than just strengthen religious observance—they also foster a deep sense of belonging. For younger members, who may otherwise feel disconnected from their heritage, these events play a crucial role in reinforcing their connection to the community and their Sephardic roots.

Sephardic Hebrew Center, Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Despite the challenges of emigration and an aging population, the Sephardic Hebrew Center remains a beacon of cultural preservation, offering a sense of continuity and connection for both the local community and Jewish visitors from around the world. Currently, the center has approximately 150 active members. Since 1994, when an agreement between Fidel Castro and the Chief Rabbi of Israel allowed any Cuban with at least one Jewish grandparent to immigrate to Israel, many young Cuban Jews have left in search of better economic opportunities and a stronger connection to global Jewish life. This steady emigration, combined with high rates of intermarriage, has posed a continuous challenge to preserving the community’s distinct identity. Yet, the center’s leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to engaging interfaith families and nurturing pride in Sephardic traditions, ensuring that all who wish to participate in cultural and religious events, regardless of background, are warmly welcomed.

The resilience of the community is all the more remarkable given Cuba’s complex relationship with religion over the past few decades. While synagogues were never officially closed, practicing Judaism could jeopardize educational and professional opportunities, particularly for those pursuing careers in government. As a result, many Cuban Jews quietly set aside their religious practices or kept their faith hidden. This began to change in 1992 when Cuba officially relaxed restrictions on religious activity, opening the door for a new generation of Jews—many of whom had little exposure to Jewish life—to reconnect with their heritage. Elders, community leaders, and visiting rabbis stepped in, teaching young Cubans the traditions, prayers, and customs they had long been denied. Through these efforts, a sense of Jewish pride and knowledge was rekindled, breathing new life into the community.

The Salomón Mitrani Z’L Hebrew Center for the Care of the Elderly, Sephardic Hebrew Center, Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

A significant part of the center’s work focuses on the elderly population through the Salomón Mitrani Z’L Hebrew Center for the Care of the Elderly, established in the early 2000s. Currently serving approximately 60 seniors, the center offers meals, health assistance, and cultural programs that keep older community members connected to Jewish life even as their mobility decreases. For many of these elderly members, the center is more than just a social space—it is a lifeline to the cultural and religious identity they have worked so hard to preserve.

Despite its challenges, the Sephardic Hebrew Center remains a vibrant point of contact between Cuba’s Jewish community and visitors from abroad. Hundreds of tourists pass through the center’s doors each year, including Jewish travelers from the United States, Canada, Israel, and Europe, as well as curious Cubans eager to learn about their island’s diverse cultural tapestry. These visitors are welcomed with warmth, often invited to share a Shabbat meal or to learn about the community’s history from those who lived it.

While overt antisemitism is virtually nonexistent in Cuba, assimilation remains a more subtle yet persistent challenge. With a relatively small Jewish population, intermarriage and secularization gradually erode the fabric of communal cohesion. To counter this, the community has implemented educational initiatives, organized holiday celebrations, and forged partnerships with Jewish communities abroad. These efforts help foster pride in Sephardic culture and Jewish identity, even within mixed families.

Sephardic Hebrew Center, Havana, New York Jewish Travel Guide

The leaders of the Sephardic Hebrew Center are cautiously optimistic as they look to the future, envisioning a thriving community that continues to honor and preserve the rich heritage of Cuba’s Sephardic Jews. They see the center not only as a place of worship but also as a dynamic hub for cultural preservation and community growth—one where young Cuban Jews can take pride in their Sephardic roots while remaining engaged with the modern world. Central to their vision is the development of leadership programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of community leaders, alongside expanding cultural initiatives that celebrate Sephardic traditions. By deepening connections with Sephardic communities abroad and strengthening ties within their own, they are working to ensure that the legacy of Cuba’s Sephardic Jews not only survives but flourishes, passing on a vibrant and enduring heritage for generations to come.

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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.