Last night we returned from a wonderful mission to the Jewish community of Cuba. With over twenty participants from our Torat El community and around the country, we met with representatives of four different Jewish communities, visited numerous sites and had a variety of cultural experiences. Shabbat in Havana was a unique and uplifting experience as we watched a community without any Jewish professionals come to life thanks to the hard work and dedication of its members. Cuba was a complex, fascinating, and unique place to visit and I look forward to sharing my reflections with you in the weeks and months ahead.
On a different note, I, like you, have been following the disturbing events in the Ukraine over the past few weeks. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the current situation. The Jewish community in the area has been suffering as well. Below are a few updates about the Jewish community and current situation in the Ukraine.
Please consider clicking on the last link below to make a donation through the Joint Distribution Committee.
1. Update on Masorti Kehillah in Kiev by Rabbi Reuven and Lena Stamov
2. Eastern Ukraine synagogue hit by firebombs
3. Volunteers brae ‘war zone’ to aid elderly Jews in Kiev
4. JDC Delivers Aid to Homebound Jews in Kiev
6. DONATE through the American Joint Distribution CommitteeÂ