Services

Jewish Services

Mezuzot Checking
A Mezuzah is so much more than a piece of parchment rolled into a scroll. Since the Mezuzah acts as our own personal guardian, alert at all times, it’s important to ensure that it is always in top condition. We will check your Mezuzot at any given time to ensure that they are Kosher.

Kashering
Keeping Kosher is one of the most fundamental aspects of our religion. Kashering is the process of transforming your kitchen into one that meets all the standards of Kashrut.

Tefillin Inspection
Wrapped around our arms in those square black boxes, it’s easy to forget how holy Tefillin are. Containing the name of Hashem, each time we wrap ourselves in those black straps we are forging a bond with our Creator. Like Mezuzot, Tefillin contain holy parchments that need to be checked from time to time to ensure they are fit for use. 
Drop your Tefillin off and we’ll check them thoroughly and return them to you good as new.

Mikvah
The Berkeley Mikvah is designed to provide the East Bay Jewish community with a unique and invigorating mikvah experience. It also serves as an educational resource providing tours for schools and synagogues and other interested groups. For more info and to book and appointment click here or call 510-224-3770 .

Life Cycle Events

Shalom Baby, Baby Naming / Bris Circumcision Ceremony
The Center delights in the birth of each baby in the greater Jewish community. We will facilitate, arrange, assist and familiarize the family with the entire process to make it the experience and the joy it is meant to be.

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Celebrations
Help parents think through the myriad of details that require attention when planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We help make the occasion a memorable step forward for your son or daughter in living a meaningful Jewish life.
Ages 12 through 120 – We will create the Bar or Bat Mitzvah you desire and choose, from a simple one with minimal preparation to the whole elaborate affair.

Weddings
Mazal Tov! Congratulations on your engagement. We hope your happiness will continue to grow and that you will succeed in laying the foundations for a warm, loving and nurturing home. Our Rabbi is available to officiate at your wedding. Should you have any queries; the Rabbi will be pleased to assist.

Funerals
King Solomon said, “There is a time for all under the heavens – a time to love, a time to journey, a time to plant, a time to reap, a time to rejoice and a time to mourn.” The Rabbi and Rebbetzin are always there especially in times of need. To offer comfort, guidance and bereavement support. assistance in preparation, officiating at the funeral, the Shiva service etc. and financial aid for any aspect of the challenging journey. 

Volunteer Services

Hospital Visitation
At Chabad we realize how frightening, overwhelming or simply lonesome being in the hospital can be, and that’s why we put such emphasis on visiting people in the hospital and bringing them a gift package with goodies, that show them we care. Chabad of Richmond and its volunteers have visited numerous hospitals and senior homes bringing joy to many patients. Most importantly the patient is given the message that they are not alone.

Food Drives
Food drives are held at various times throughout the year, in addition Chabad of Richmond offers help to individuals or families that are in need of food. To participate in these drives or to help hungry families please contact our office.

Making the Holidays So Much Brighter
The Jewish Center visits various community shelters and hospitals where we run Holiday programs consisting of entertainment and arts and crafts.    The goal of this project is to bring gifts, meals and smiles to thousands of needy children and families regardless of their race, color or ethnicity.

You Can Make a Difference In the Life of Another
Visit with the home bound, pick up groceries, drive an elderly patient to a doctor’s appointment. Bring them your warmth and smile and make their day. Volunteer once a month or more.

Other:

Crisis Counseling
We don’t anticipate it and we certainly don’t want it, but there are times when we’ll inevitably step back and say, “I need help”. In any kind of crisis, big or small, we are here to help. We will provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on when times get tough.