PROJECTS
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Our humanitarian aid
project is extensive. During the past five years, we have carried thousands of
pounds and sent a steady stream of small packages each month of all kinds of necessities
including a large variety of needed prescription medicines dental supplies, school
supplies, kosher ritual food, toiletries, clothing, eyeglasses, and even baby formula and
bottles.
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Send a wheelchair to Cuba in Memory of
Dr. José Miller Fredman |
The Jewish Cuba Connection has a project to send wheelchairs to Cuba.
Currently, there is a special project to honor the memory of Dr. José
Miller Fredman, by presenting wheelchairs to the Jewish community on the
occasion of the 100th anniversary of the first organized Jewish
synagogue and the purchase of the first cemetery. If you want to help,
click here. |
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MEDICINES PACKING PARTIES |
Invite your friends to a mitzvah party to prepare medicines for
transporting to Cuba.
Donated medicines and hygenic supplies must be categorized and packed for travel to Cuba
where they are distributed by the synagogue pharmacy that is managed by Hadassah ladies.
Sample medicines must be sorted and the unnecessary outer packaging must be removed to
save space and weight, then bundled into six to eight pound packages. Note: Some teens do
this project for school credit to fulfill their social service obligation. |
Go a step
farther and collect
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SUPPLIES COLLECTION |
We need individuals or organizatons throughout the country to
be centers for collecting medicines, vitamins, and school supplies to be taken to
Cuba by individuals and the various organizations who do this..
* Collect medicines, vitamins, school supplies
* Donate in-date Rx medicines that do not work for you.
* Collect flight bags and small, lightweight suitcases in which we can pack
the supplies. |
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BOTTOMS UP |
In 2000, it came
to our attention that some babies in Cuba were suffering
with diaper rash and there was
little relief available such as baby powder and
Desitin type creams. Soon we had requests for pediatric
medicines and small clothing. We began to fill these
needs for 9 babies but four years later we have over
40 children who are four years of age or less.
As the project expanded over the years to include newborns,
toddlers, and preschoolers we found ourselves asking for people to carry vitamins, pediatric
medicines like fever remedies, and antihistamines, clothing and utensils (like binkies and teething
rings, and even small toys) to keep our
babies smiling.
For just $120
year, you can provide a child with these basic needs. If you
can't do a whole year, you are welcome to send whatever you
wish.
In 2004, one of our donors suggested we establish a godparent
program where there can be a lasting relationship for those who want to enjoy getting to know the
child and family and to share the major
moments as the child grows up. We are happy to provide
information on the children who are available
for this program.
Our first Godmother is Elaine Scheye from Chicago who adopted
two children only to learn there was a second girl in one family. Now she is godmother to three
children and enjoying herself immensely
In 2004, we became aware of two children who are autistic,
Jonatan and Carlitos. The needs are very
special and ongoing. With just one email to old time
supporters, we were able to plan a good program
and supply many needs. So far this year, we have sent a
special eye patch for Jonatan who has a
wandering eye, special vitamins for autistic children,
shoes, educational materials, and information on
autistic education in Spanish to help the mothers with
their efforts to bring their children as close as
possible to an ability to play with their normal siblings
and other children.
We heartily thank our autistic children supporters and hope they
will all become godparents and continue their relationships with their children.
Lee & Nathan Rosenmutter Foundation C/O Beverly Braverman
Ziv Tzedakah Fund (Danny Siegel and Naomi Eisenberger)
Lee and Dorothy Marsh
Dr. Paul Slaton
Dr.Marvin & Maxine Winer
Terrence Rosenberg
Rhona Lyons & David Warren
The Lerner Foundation (Henry Jonas & Sandra Davis)
Madeline Charney
Sarah Lesser
Betty Hiesler
Betty Jarman Adelson
Rabbi Kelman
Benjamin and Ray Scheckner
Judith and David Rose
We have also instituted a Godparents Program for normal as well
as autistic children:
Godparent Program for 2004
Daniel----------Elaine Scheye 2004
Adrianna-------Elaine Scheyev2004
Carlitos---------Naomi Eisenberger 2004
Beverly Braverman 2005
Yonatan----- Terrance Rosenberg 2004
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Baby |
Age |
Adopting Donor |
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ALBERTO |
19
months
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Jack
Mihalovich |
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MARIANA |
3
months
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Cynthia
Wachenheim
Edward Levitch
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ABEL |
9
months |
Hugh
and Sonne DeWitt
Ramina de la Rosa Ravanera |
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CRISTIAN LUIS
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19
months |
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DARIO
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2 years |
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SHEILA |
9
months |
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JOSUE |
16
months |
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ADRIANA |
1 year |
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more
babies... |
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First
name |
Date of
birth |
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Mariana
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2000
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Sheila
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2001
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Alberto
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11/23/99
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Jessica
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12/26/02
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Christian
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1/1/00
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Susana
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5/8/98
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Dario
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10/6/99
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Abel
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11/24/00
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Victor
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2/10/01
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Moise
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11/9/98
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Adriana
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10/13/00
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Jonatan
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6/20/00
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Joseph
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2/12/01
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Yoandi
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2/3/02
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Carlos
David |
2/28/02
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Karen
Raquel |
3/17/02
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Daikiel
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7/15/02
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Melisa
and Milena |
6/24/03
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Anette
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10/4/02
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Noiyelis
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8/13/02
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Daniel
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10/4/02
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JEWISH
BOOKS IN SPANISH |
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Our book project is very successful.
When donations are received for books, we purchase the books and put a book plate with
your name and/or special honoree or memorial inside, so that our friends in Cuba will know
they have many friends in the U.S.A. We welcome donations of books on Jewish subjects
written in Spanish. We accept books in English only if they will fill the study needs of
particular individuals in Cuba.
Humashim has been very
popular this year. So far we have taken more than 60 Humashim to Cuba and have money
for 12 more. Now we are asking you to consider donating for Makzorim, Pirke Avot,
and Jewish literature in Spanish.
If you would like to donate, email the CAJM office for more
information
mission@thecajm.org
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HEALTH AID |
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Each week we receive requests from
Cuba for vitamins because of the serious shortage of foodstuffs. The resulting poor
nutrition is leading to a variety of diseases including nervous system disorders. This is
a relatively old problem that has become worse again this year. Another big request is for
more cold symptom remedies and asthma medicines and inhalers. The third continuous need is
for all medications needed for pediatric care. Finally, there is never enough mosquito
repellent. Look at our
List of Needs which you can
reach from the CAJM page. We have a Medicine Fund for which we are happy to receive
donations as it is always running out from the requests to fill special medicine needs.
You may specify that your donation be used for more general community medical needs, like
vitamins, or for special medicine requests. In addition, any of the organizations dealing
with Cuban relief would be happy to assist you in sending this kind of aid. Please e-mail
us for resources in your area. |
COMPUTER PROGRAMS |
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We are eager to receive donations of
Jewish study computer programs either on floppy disks, zip disks or CD-ROM. Spanish
language is preferable, but many people are using programs in English, the second language
of most educated Cubans. |
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COMMUNITY
HOLIDAY DINNERS |
Between 30 and 45 people attend services in Santiago de Cuba on Friday
night and Saturday morning. The same is true for holidays. The meals
making a difference for the women who do not have to cook and clean up
if the family is being served at the synagogue. Thus, the family can be
together for the prayer service, a dinner of chicken, rice, various
vegetable and dessert, the study session that always takes place, and
socializing with their bigger family, their Jewish community.
Some sponsors use the opportunity of providing a meal to honor a loved
one on a special occasion, such as the graduation of a daughter from
college, a bar/bat mitzvah, or a birthday. Each community is pleased to
celebrate these occasions along with the donor. It makes them feel
connected to Jews in the U.S.
Anyone may sponsor a
holiday dinner for a whole community like Santiago or Sancti Spritus for
as little as $100. That is less than $3 per person. Such a bargain!
All communities need the
same sponsorship.
| Sancti Spiritus: |
$100 |
| Cienfuegos: |
$100 |
| Santa Clara: |
$100 |
| Caibarien: |
$100 |
| Havana: |
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Gran Sinagoga |
$400 |
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Centro Sefaradi |
$200 |
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Adath Israel |
$200 |
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