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.

Starting March 27th, 2023, Boichik Bagels, bialys, and challahs made at the Berkeley plant only will be certified by the Vaad of Northern California.

In practical terms, this is how you can continue to enjoy Hechshered Boichik Bagel products:

• Plant: All bagels, bialys, and challahs that are produced at 1225 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 will be under the supervision of the Vaad of Northern California. They can be purchased at the storefront located at the plant.

• All frozen Boichik Bagel products (which are sold in local markets and through online delivery services: https://boichikbagels.com/pages/where-else-to-find-us) will be produced at the plant, and will have a special tag with the Vaad’s hechsher.

• Those who wish to purchase large orders of fresh hechshered bagels (for catering, wholesale, etc.) should contact the plant location to arrange purchase, instead of the specific retail locations.

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.