News from the JULC - Issue 4

Dear friends:
Once again we are reaching your homes to keep you abreast of what is happening in our communities. For those of you who were unable to attend, on this website you will also find pages in English and Spanish with a full account of the celebrations in Curacao on their 350th.

ARUBA

The celebration of the 53rd. anniversary of Israel’s independence had special significance. It was sponsored by the Hon. Consulate of Israel to Aruba and Government dignitaries as well as the press joined the community in marking this joyous occasion. Cantor Irving Spenadel led the attendants in the singing of the Israeli and Aruban anthems, and delighted everyone with a medley of Israeli songs.

On the Dutch Queen’s birthday, as is traditional, distinguished citizens are honored. This year we were happy to learn that one of the members of our community, Benjamin Pick, was bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

COSTA RICA

Hearty congratulations to Marvin Sossin, our Honorary President, on his election as a Board member at-large of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, at WUPJ"s 30th. International Convention (3/24-27) in Washington, DC. We are also very proud of Hilda ten Brink who, at the Convention’s Shabbat morning service, was one of the lay leaders called to read the Torah.

The passing of Kathya Benzaquen’s mother, in Peru, saddens us. May Kathya draw strength and comfort from the love of her family and friends, and from her precious memories .

C U B A

During a recent telephone conversation with one of the Cuban community leaders we have learned that their Passover celebration was very successful.Two hundred and twenty people attended their community Seder, mostly local members of the community. Jewish life in Cuba is intense; we are filled with admiration for their  fervor and creativity. From these pages we send them warm regards and wish   them success in their striving to maintain our traditions alive.

CURACAO

We wish Rene Maduro, president of this vibrant community, refuah shlemah, a speedy and complete recovery. (Please view the enclosed attachment for an account of the 350th. year celebrations.)

EL SALVADOR

We congratulate the community on welcoming a new Torah scroll to their synagogue on Sunday, May 27. It is a significant occasion for all to celebrate, and a true milestone in the life of the Salvadoran community. We share in their happiness across the miles, and wish that this sefer Torah may bear witness to many years of rich Jewish life for our friends.

HONDURAS

The community in Tegucigalpa has a very touching story to tell. About two months ago they celebrated the return of their Torah, which had been very badly damaged by Hurricane Mitch. Thanks to the invaluable help of volunteers from the JCC on the Hudson, NY, who, together with Rabbi/scribe
Manny Vinas spent countless hours to salvage it and restore it to its original beauty, the community was able to welcome this Torah, which has since become a symbol of the solidarity that binds Jews around the world. The Torah became the object of an educational experience in schools, congregations and homes for the aged. An experience that is probably so far reaching that we are unable to measure its human impact. In her speech on the occasion of the welcoming ceremony in Tegucigalpa, one of the project volunteers, Judy Underberg said: "Our lives are now connected with yours thanks to this Torah. The Torah is yours and will form an important part in the life of your synagogue. But a part of the Torah is ours too. It became a part of our lives while we lived with it for two years, and we are overjoyed to be returning it to you…… Rabbi Vinas told us in a letter: ‘Working with this Torah has been the most important work I’ve done as a scribe. It is the best example that ‘every Jew is responsible for one another’. The energy, passion, generosity and spiritual gifts that we
have shared will never be forgotten’. To which we respond: Amen."

JAMAICA

The community feels already the excitement in the air as they prepare to welcome our members for the Fifth UJCL Conference (February 2002). There is hard work ahead but, judging from the fruits of our previous conferences, well worthwhile. We wish them success and inspiration to create even tighter links amongst our member communities. Being a Liberal Jew in the Caribbean is no longer a lonely experience. We can now rely on each other for support and mutual learning. We know that Jamaica has a lot to offer, and we are sure it will open its heart to all of us.

PANAMA

On Thursday, May 31, Kol Shearith Israel Congregation will celebrate 125 years of life. Although we are unable to attend, we share with them in their happiness, and wish them continued success and fulfillment in the practice of our Jewish traditions for many more years to come.

PUERTO RICO

After an intensive search, Puerto Rico has hired a full-time rabbi who will be the spiritual leader of their community . His name is Mordechai Rotem and he comes from Haifa, Israel. We wish them a"perfect match" that will last for a number of years, and congratulate the energetic leaders of the community, especially Cheryle Thacher and Sallie Valcarcel , on their fruitfful work.

Martha E. Lichtenstein
May 2001

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