Beth Shalom Temple (Havana, Cuba)

Temple Beth Shalom (Gran Sinagoga Bet Shalom), built in 1952, is a synagogue located in the Vedado neighbourhood of downtown Havana. Temple Beth Shalom is the main synagogue serving Havana's Jewish community of 1,500 people. Founded in 1952, it has been the epicenter of Jewish life in Cuba for over 70 years. The synagogue is often referred to as "El Patronato". Often considered one of the most important sites in all of Latin American Judaism, "El Patronato" welcomes thousands of visitors each year for both Shabbat and tours of Jewish Cuba.

History of "El Patronato"
The synagogue, known as formally Temple Beth Shalom, originally opened its doors in 1953 as the grandest Jewish house of worship in Havana. Its soaring Romanesque architecture fused European and Moorish-Spanish elements into a unique hybrid style fit for hosting Havana's vibrant mid-century Jewish society.

Famed guests over the years have included director Steven Spielberg and actor Sean Penn. By the 1980s however, shifting political tides had greatly thinned the Jewish population. In 1981, the state purchased a large portion of the building to establish the Bertolt Brecht Cultural Center.

Yet despite its reduced physical footprint, Temple Beth Shalom continues upholding its foundational mission as the keystone of Jewish heritage in Havana. Extensive restorations in the 1990s revived the sanctuary's structural integrity and interior opulence with support from benefactors like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and under the guidance of Shmuel Szteinhendler.

Now entering its eighth decade, the synagogue stands as a living testament to Cuban Jewry's resilience. Temple Beth Shalom's rich history and enduring ritual purpose make it a site of pilgrimage for Jewish visitors from across the globe.

Contemporary Significance as Hub of Cuban Jewry
As the largest and most influential Jewish institution in the country, Temple Beth Shalom is regarded as the de facto center of gravity for Cuba's Jewish population. It hosts the community's seminal celebrations for holy days and rites including the High Holidays, Passover Seder, bar mitzvahs, Jewish weddings, and funerals.

David Prinstein is the President of Havana's Jewish community. Along with Rabbi Shmuel Szteinhendler, they work together to provide philanthropic support and strategic direction shaping the future of Judaism across Cuba.

With the relaxation of religious restrictions, Temple Beth Shalom has led a revival of public Jewish expression. Consistently listed as one of the holiest Jewish sites in the world, thousands of visitors come each year to learn about its history and significance in the Latin Jewish community. The temple continues asserting its position as the flagship institution sustaining the Cuban Jewish Community. The building also houses a Jewish library.

Relationship with the Castro government
Overall, the Jewish community has enjoyed security, and antisemitism has been minimal. In the years leading up to his death, Fidel Castro even attended the community's Hanukka celebration.