Kosher Food

While the Bay Area lacks certain Jewish amenities available in other Jewish communities, it is possible to have a full and thriving Jewish life. Here are a number of important areas for observant Jews:

There are numerous kosher establishments in the Bay Area available under the supervision of Sunrise Kosher including restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets.  

In the East Bay, you can pick up any kosher items you need at Oakland Kosher Foods. Oakland Kosher is the only full-service kosher butcher in the Bay Area and is located one mile from Beth Jacob. You can also stop there for a warm meal, order take-out, or check out their impressive kosher wine section.

Grand Bakery, an Oakland institution, is available for purchase at the Food Mill, and their famous cookies and Challah can be purchased at Safeway stores throughout Oakland.

Recently, Beth Jacob Congregation and Congregation Beth Israel began their own kosher supervision: East Bay Kosher. Currently under our supervision is The Flying Falafel, located at 2114 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley.

Flying Falafel provides vegan Israeli fare such as falafel, shawarma, hummus bowls and salads. Any food purchased from a Flying Falafel food truck or at their San Francisco location is not certified as kosher. Flying Falafel in Berkeley also delivers throughout Oakland by ordering online: https://www.flyingfalafel.com/ (note that only food ordered from the Berkeley location is certified as kosher).

Also under our supervision is the recently opened Boichik Bagels located at: 3170 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705. Located in the Rockridge neighborhood on the border of Oakland and Berkeley, Boichik Bagels are bringing the best of New York City bagel culture to the Bay Area - and they mean business. Bagels can be ordered to-go, though there is limited seating in the store as well. Check them out here: https://boichikbagels.com

Lastly, all Trader Joes grocery stores in the Bay Area carry kosher meat and chicken, and other kosher cheeses and poultry can be found at Berkeley Bowl as well as Whole Foods. Lucky’s and Safeway supermarkets throughout Oakland carry many kosher items, particularly before Passover, and Costco (the closest location is in Richmond) offers kosher dairy and meat items as well.  

To learn more about the Beth Jacob community standards of Kashrut or to receive our list of acceptable kosher symbols, please email the shul office.

Hospitality

If you are an out-of-town guest who would like Shabbat meals and housing with a BJC family, please fill out the Beth Jacob Hospitality Questionnaire.