JCC Friends Association

04/10/2026

Larnaca Police Chief Visits Central Synagogue, Meets with Chief Rabbi of Cyprus

Today, the Chief of Larnaca District Police, Chief Ioannis Kapnoulas visited the Central Synagogue of Larnaca, where he met with Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, Chief Rabbi of Cyprus.

Chief Kapnoulas, who closely oversees security arrangements for Jewish community institutions and works to ensure the safety of residents across the district, visited the synagogue to gain a firsthand understanding of the security operations and the work of the security personnel protecting the community.

During the visit, he emphasized that he and his officers are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure that all citizens of Larnaca can feel safe and secure.

Rabbi Raskin expressed his sincere appreciation to the police chief and the Cyprus Police for their continued dedication, cooperation, and commitment to the safety of the Jewish community.

The Chief Rabbi noted that, as is customary in Jewish communities around the world, rabbis and congregants in synagogues throughout Cyprus regularly offer prayers for the welfare and success of the country's President, members of Parliament, mayors, national leadership, the Cyprus Police, and all security forces.

They pray that the Almighty protect those entrusted with public service, grant them strength and wisdom, and bless their efforts as they faithfully carry out their important responsibilities.

The visit reflected the ongoing cooperation between the Jewish community in Cyprus and the local police, united by a shared commitment to public safety, mutual respect, and the well-being of all residents.

01/10/2026

Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of former hostage Romi Gonen and a prominent advocate for the return of the hostages, visited the Jewish Community Centre in Cyprus and the large Sukkah of Brotherhood, located on the very same street where she once stood and prayed together with members of the community for her daughter’s safe return during the period of her captivity, at a large gathering held at the time.

Leshem met with the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, Rabbi Zeev Raskin.

Also present were Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to Cyprus, Mr Kobi Waller; Mr Yaron Zeloof, Chairman of the Jewish Community of Cyprus Friends Association; and Rabbi Shneur Zalman Levitin, Chabad emissary in Larnaca.

Now, returning to the place following Romi’s release, Meirav spoke with emotion about experiencing a powerful sense of closure: returning to the very place where she once stood with prayer and hope, this time blessing over the Four Species with gratitude. She emphasised that the Four Species symbolise the unity of the Jewish people.

She concluded the gathering with a prayer and blessing for unity, peace and better days for the people of Israel.

01/10/2026

סגירת מעגל מרגשת בקפריסין: מירב לשם גונן בביקור במרכז חב״ד

מירב לשם גונן, אמה של שורדת השבי רומי גונן ומי שפעלה רבות למען השבת החטופים, ביקרה במרכז הקהילה היהודית בקפריסין בסוכת האחווה הענקית שממוקמת באותו רחוב ממש בו עמדה והתפללה יחד עם בני הקהילה לשובה הביתה בשלום בתקופה שבה בתה הייתה בשבי, בעצרת הגדולה שהתקיימה בזמנו.

לשם נפגשה עם השליח והרב הראשי לקפריסין, הרב זאב רסקין ,
במפגש השתתפו סגן שגריר ישראל בקפריסין מר קובי וולר, מר ירון זלוף - יו״ר מעגל הידידים של הקהילה היהודית בקפריסין והרב שניאור זלמן לויטין, שליח חב״ד בלרנקה.

כעת, כשהיא שבה למקום לאחר שחרורה של רומי, אמרה מירב בהתרגשות כי עבורה מדובר בסגירת מעגל עוצמתית — לחזור אל המקום שבו נשאה תפילה ותקווה, והפעם לברך על ארבעת המינים מתוך הודיה והדגישה שהם מסמלים את האחדות בעם ישראל.

את המעמד חתמה בתפילה ובברכה לאחדות, לשלום ולימים טובים לעם ישראל.

01/10/2026

The Jewish Community of Cyprus would like to remind you that Yizkor, the memorial prayer for our departed loved ones, will be recited during Simchat Torah.

This is a special time to honor and remember those who are no longer with us, reflecting on their memory and the values they instilled in our lives.

Click the link to submit the names of your loved ones.

Names for the Yizkor Prayer with Jewish Community Cyprus

15/09/2026

To JCC Friends Association εύχεται σε όλους ένα χαρούμενο και ευλογημένο Εβραϊκό Νέο Έτος!

Είθε το 5787 να φέρει υγεία, ειρήνη, χαρά, ευημερία και πολλές ευλογίες σε όλους.

Shana Tova !!!
Καλή Χρονιά!

15/09/2026

לקראת יום הכיפורים, תוכלו לקיים את מנהג הכפרות באמצעות תרומה לצדקה.

תרומתכם תינתן לסיוע למשפחות וליחידים הזקוקים לעזרה בקהילה שלנו, ותעניק תמיכה וכבוד למי שזקוקים לכך במיוחד לפני יום הכיפורים.

בנתינת צדקה לפני יום הכיפורים, אנו מכינים את עצמנו לקראת השנה החדשה מתוך חסד, חמלה וזכות לסייע לאחרים.

כדי לתרום לכפרות, ניתן לתרום כאן:
https://app.comeunity.me/lard/he/f/10238/

יהי רצון שכולנו נזכה לשנה של בריאות, שלום, שמחה ושפע של ברכות.

גמר חתימה טובה

Pidyon Kaparot 5787 - 2026 Jewish Community Cyprus It’s a deep-rooted tradition in our Jewish heritage to perform Pidyon Kaparot in the days leading up to Yom Kippur. Renowned as a potent segulah, this holy custom holds the promise of drawing down blessings for a year filled with spiritual elevati...

30/07/2026

23/07/2026

A great opportunity for any size business!

See the details below in the original post by Jewish Community Cyprus - εβραϊκή κοινότητα Κύπροu

This is your last opportunity to reserve your place in the Jewish Community of Cyprus Annual Calendar!

For over 20 years, our calendar has been displayed in thousands of homes, offices, and businesses across Cyprus and around the world, connecting our community through Jewish holidays, important dates, and community life.

Don't miss this opportunity to:

Advertise your business to a global audience.
Support the continued growth of Jewish life in Cyprus.
Space is now extremely limited.

To reserve your dedication or advertisement, please contact us today:

Office: +357 24 668753
WhatsApp: +357 96 783330 (Aria Cohen)

22/07/2026

Agra D'Taanita

On fast days, it is customary to give Agra D'Taanita, which is charity given in the amount equivalent to the cost of the meals that are not eaten during the fast. By doing so, we elevate what we do not eat or drink to a level of holiness through the mitzvah of charity.

How much should be given?
For those who follow the custom of redeeming the missed meals, it is customary to give at least €9 for each meal, totaling €27 per person. Of course, one can give more generously, both for oneself and for one's entire family.

May it be G-d's will that in the merit of this important mitzvah, we merit the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the complete and true redemption, speedily in our days.

Agra D'Taanita On fast days, it is customary to give Agra D'Taanita, which is charity given in the amount equivalent to the cost of the meals that are not eaten during the fast. By doing so, we elevate what we do not eat or drink to a level of holiness through the mitzvah of charity. How much should...

15/05/2026

As we navigate the vibrant rhythm of the Jewish year here in Cyprus, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tireless work that happens behind the scenes of the JCC Friends Association.

Being Jewish in Cyprus is about more than just tradition; it is about continuity, connection, and community. Our team works hard 365 days a year to ensure that the Jewish calendar isn't just a list of dates, but a living, breathing experience for every family on the island.

From the quiet reflection of the High Holidays to the joy of Chanukah and Purim, our association is dedicated to bringing you:

Educational Lectures: Engaging our minds with history, ethics, and contemporary Jewish thought.

Cultural Programs: Celebrating our heritage through music, food, and the arts.

Community Events: Creating spaces where our children and seniors alike can feel at home and connected to their roots.

Our strength as a community is also measured by our relationship with the beautiful island we call home. For many years, the Jewish Community of Cyprus has enjoyed a deep and fruitful relationship with the Cypriot people. We work closely with local partners and neighbors, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared values. This spirit of cooperation is what makes our community programs so successful and our presence here so meaningful.

This work is only possible because of your support. Whether you attend a lecture, volunteer your time, or support our initiatives, you are a vital part of this journey. Together, we are ensuring that Jewish life in Cyprus continues to thrive and grow.

Wishing you all a season of health, growth, and togetherness.

Warmly,

Mr. Yaron Zeloof
Chairman, JCC Friends Association