Cuba - 9 December 2011

After breakfast, I attempted to get computer access, but there were other people in front of me and I didn’t have the time to wait. We were scheduled to leave at 9:30 and I don’t like being late.

Our first stop for the day was the orthodox synagogue, where I bought two dolls ($20); one for my little Muffin and one for my little Avi. The leader of the congregation described the programs that are run out of the synagogue. The purpose of the programs is to try to retain the Jewish population. They have the older woman making dolls and Kippas which they sell to the tourists, who come to visit the synagogue. The purpose of this program is to provide these women with a meaningful job which provides them with the opportunity to socialize. They serve a breakfast after the morning minyan which encourages people to come to the minyan. They also offer meals at other times. They distribute medications which are brought down by groups such as ours. The orthodox synagogue will not convert anyone, but they accept the conversions of the Sephardic Center of the conservative group. Apparently one of the big draws for conversion is the right of all Jews to go to Israel. This is something that I hadn’t thought about. None of these groups can survive without outside help, since most of their members are elderly and have little to no money. We did see some younger people and even children.

Orthodox Synagogue in Havana

Chapel used for morning Minyan


Making Dolls and Kippahs for Sale to tourists

Mikvah in Orthodox Synagogue

Sanctuary upstairs, which is not used frquently

Mahitza. There is a balcony which is not used currently

Balcony

Close up of Bima

Outside of Orthodox Synagogue

After we left the Synagogue, since it was raining, we went to the Museum of the Revolution, which described Castro’s successful campaign to gain power. For the most part, I didn’t find anything offensive or not true. It cost 6 of the convertible pesos to enter and it would have been another 2 to take pictures. I was sufficiently offended at paying to go in, that I chose not to pay the extra 2.

There are two forms of currency in Cuba. There is the normal peso used by the Cuban people and is worth about 5 cents and then there is the convertible peso which is used by tourists and costs about $1.15.

After leaving the museum, we went to the Hotel National, which was officially controlled by the government, but was actually controlled by the Mafia, until Castro took over. They have a History hall, with pictures of people who used to frequent this hotel prior to Castro taking over. We had lunch in a roofed over area on the grounds of the Hotel National. I and several other people in the group are having a problem with the constant smoking in various locations.

History Hall in National Hotel

More Historical Figures

Mike in front of another poster

Mural at end of hall

Meyer Lansky

National Hotel Garden

Being Seranaded during lunch at Hotel National

After lunch, we went to the Fine Arts museum, which features Cuban painters starting with colonial times. It was worth the 5 pesos that they charged. We left the museum at 4:00 sharp as we had leave the hotel 5:45pm to go to the Sephardic center for Friday night services and dinner. I tried to follow the service, but they do it differently that what I’m used to. The dinner that they served, though simple, was surprisingly good.

After dinner we headed for the ballet (cost 25 pesos). They were performing the Nut Cracker. It was pleasant, but they aren’t ready for Lincoln Center. We returned to the hotel and we will be leaving tomorrow at 9:30 for hopefully the walking tour of old Havana, which we couldn’t do today because of the rain.

Planes which are part of the Museum of the Revolution

Fine Art Museum