This past February, Rabbi Elie Spitz, rabbi emeritus of Congregation B’nai Israel, Tustin, led a Mitzvah Mission to Cuba in partnership with Escapes Unlimited and the non-profit organization Jewish Cuba Connection.
The goal of the trip was to both bring aid to the people of Cuba, who are in dire need of help in the face of food, medicine, fuel, and electricity shortages, and to connect with the small community of Jews that still remains in the country.
The group of 23 travelers donated $15,000 for Jewish Cuba Connection, enabling 4-6 months worth of food packages to be sent to the Jewish community both in Havana and in the provinces.
The travelers also brought a lot of medicines, medical equipment, clothes, hygiene products, and food items to donate directly to Cuban people in need.
It was a meaningful experience for all, including lunch with Jewish seniors at the Sephardic Senior Center, salsa lessons for the group from young people in the Jewish community, and Rabbi Spitz leading Friday Night services in Havana’s Beth Shalom Synagogue.
Now Escapes Unlimited and Jewish Cuba Connection are planning more trips for 2026 in the hopes of continuing to help the Cuban Jewish community.
Trip dates are December 4-12, January 22-29 and February 19-26.
