Chabad Friends of Cuban Jewry (CFCJ) Performs another Bris on Cuban Jewish Boy

As part of Chabad Friends of Cuban Jewry’s (CFCJ) ongoing educational activities in Cuba, (aside for the consistent humanitarian aid programs) on January 18th the organization has performed another Bris (circumcision) on a young boy today named, David.

Over the years the Tacher family has had a close connection with CFCJ, Yoilen, the new mother has herself, (together with other family members) joined CFCJ’s annual summer camp for quite a few years. When the CFCJ learned by their representatives on the island, that she gave birth to a baby boy, it was clear that CFCJ would completely undertake making the arrangements for the circumcision (Bris).

Early Tuesday morning (the 17th of Jan.) Rabbi Shimon Aisenbach, Director of the Chabad Friends of Cuban Jewry (CFCJ), together with Rabbi Y. Fisher a world renowned Mohel, together with one of CFCJ’s supporters flew down to Havana for this very special ceremony.

Early Wednesday morning when the entourage, (which included a few of members of the community) pulled up to the home emotions ran high. Four generations of the Tacher family, Yoalin with the baby, her mother and grand mother, were waiting there with much excitement for this very special moment. Immediately the table was laden with a delicious spread in honor of the occasion.

In no time the ceremony began and with the Mohel’s final preparations, the Brocho (blessing) was heard and was deeply felt in the hearts of all.

Rabbi Shimon Aisenbach was honored with giving the name, David, after King David. With much tears and exhilaration Mazal Tov was announced by all.

After much celebration, the group was back on there way to the airport. Not before leaving behind a complete load of important staples and necessities for the baby and the entire family.

In the past CFCJ has performed many circumcisions, for which the significant majority were adults, up to the age of 56 years.

“Due to the deterioration of structured Judaism over approximately the past 35 years”, (although not as a directed result of anti-Semitism), “something as elementary as a Mohel the community did not have. As we began our activities on the island, and upon learning that so many members of the community were uncircumcised this naturally became a main focus of our activities.”

“In one day CFCJ organized 17 circumcisions from the ages 2-26 years”.

For more information about the CFCJ and its activities please feel free to write to: cfcj@sympatico.ca or call (416) 855-4553

Rabbi Shimon Aisenbach, The Mohel , Mr. S.S (CFCJ supporter) on the tarmac in Havana