"Remember the days of old, consider the years of each generation"

The modern history of the Cuban Jewish community is defined by three main waves of immigration:

1.  Sephardic Jews (late 19th and early 20th centuries): The first major influx came from the Balkans and the Ottoman Empire, particularly from countries like Turkey and Greece. These Sephardic Jews, heirs to Spanish-Jewish tradition, settled in Havana and other cities, establishing the island's first synagogue and Jewish cemetery.

2.  Ashkenazi Jews (1920s and 1930s): The second wave arrived fleeing pogroms and persecution in Eastern Europe, primarily from Poland and Russia. Unlike the Sephardim, many were working-class and engaged in retail trade, selling goods as traveling merchants, an activity in Cuba known as "polacos." They established their own institutions, schools, and synagogues, creating a vibrant cultural and social life.

3.  Refugees from World War II: Cuba became a haven for thousands of Jews escaping the Holocaust. Although most used it as a temporary stop on their way to the United States, a portion of them settled on the island, further enriching the community's fabric.

At its peak, the Jewish community in Cuba numbered around 15,000 members. Life was prosperous and well-organized, with more than five synagogues, a Hebrew school (which remains open today), theaters, and various social and charitable organizations. The community integrated into Cuban society while maintaining its distinct identity, creating a rich blend of Jewish traditions and Caribbean culture.

Following the 1959 Revolution, the majority of Cuban Jews emigrated, primarily to the United States. However, a small but determined group remained on the island. The community today, though much smaller, has shown remarkable resilience. They keep their traditions alive and stand as a testament to the deep roots Judaism has planted in the history and heart of Cuba. It is a community small in number, but immense in spirit.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba faced a severe economic crisis. The government also adopted more liberal policies, including a constitutional amendment that allowed for religious practice. This marked the beginning of a remarkable revival for the Jewish community.

The community today is much smaller, with estimates ranging from 900 to 1,000 people, the vast majority living in Havana. Despite their small numbers and the ongoing economic hardships facing the country, Jewish life is resilient and organized.

Key community centers, such as the Patronato (Beth Shalom), Centro Sefardi and Adath Israel in Havana, serve as central hubs for religious, cultural, and social activities. These centers provide vital support, including communal meals, medicine distribution (mainly from donations), and educational programs.

The community is sustained by a strong sense of solidarity and relies heavily on aid from international Jewish organizations like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Jewish Cuba Connection (JCC) and few others.

Religious life is active, with services held regularly. Although the community does not have a full-time rabbi, lay leaders, often younger members, have taken on the responsibility of leading services and preserving traditions.