Cuba has been ruled by Fidel Castro since the 1959 Revolution. Most Jews left in the early 1960s but a remnant remained on the island for ideological or personal reasons. Since the early 1990s, there has been a renaissance of Jewish life. Congregations in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, and several other cities are thriving.

Life in Cuba today remains a struggle. The few stores that exist are poorly stocked. Almost everything is rationed. Very few people have cars; most of the vehicles on the road are old and in constant need of repair. Yet the Cubans are cheerful, concentrating on the good and trying to have as much fun as they can.

Because of the difficulty of life in Cuba, it is inevitable that some Jews will continue to want to emigrate. There is a steady stream, however, of "newly rediscovered Jews" who have Jewish roots, or who are married or connected to Jews, or want to be Jews. Dr. Jose Miller, the leader of the Cuban Jewish community for many years, recently passed away but new leadership is emerging. The Jewish community is undergoing revitalization now. But what will happen after Fidel dies?