Cuba’s Jews are sadly in need of Hebrew calendars, and would like to have a rabbi and a ritual slaughterer (schochet), according to a request received here today from Havana by Rabbi Abraham M. Hershberg, president of the Union of Rabbis of Central American and Caribbean Area.
The letter, signed by Aaron Geitzholtz and Azriel Weic, president and secretary of the Havana Jewish Community, stated that there are sufficient Hebrew prayer books and Bibles on hand, but at least 300 Hebrew calendars are needed by the community for the new year 5724. The community has long entertained hopes that a rabbi and ritual slaughterer might come there, the letter stated. At present, marriages in accordance with Jewish ritual are being consecrated by the “old schochet,” the leaders reported.
It was learned at the same time that a new organization uniting all of Havana’s remaining Jewish religious and cultural organizations has just been formed there. Jaccbo Adato was chosen president of the new organization, and Azriel Weic, secretary. The address of the new organization was given as Prado 260, Havana. The Jewish population of Cuba is now estimated at approximately 3,500.
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