Chabad of West Bay connects Jewish community in all seasons

Chabad of West Bay, also known as the Chai Center, brings Jewish programming, education and support to individuals and families throughout Rhode Island’s West Bay area. At the heart of its work is a warm, welcoming community where everyone can explore and celebrate their Jewish heritage, no matter where they are on their Jewish journey.

Throughout the year, Chabad creates ways for people to connect. Camp Gan Israel welcomes 60 children, with affordable pricing and scholarships helping to make the experience accessible. Each year, Chabad also distributes approximately 1,800 challahs and Shabbat kits. Holiday programs bring traditions into the community through shofar blowing at five locations statewide around Rosh Hashanah, community menorah lightings, a Purim program and Passover resources. 

During Passover alone, Chabad provides 100 Seder-to-Go kits and more than 1,000 pounds of matzah, all free of charge. Year-round Jewish education offers meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to learn and grow, while Jewish calendars shared throughout the West Bay area help families stay connected to the rhythms of Jewish life.

Yet Chabad’s impact reaches far beyond programs and holiday celebrations. The organization makes more than 1,000 door-to-door visits, offering a personal connection, especially to people who are homebound or living alone. Chabad also brings companionship and Jewish connection to local nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, as well as through monthly and holiday visits within the state prison system. Rabbinic counseling and crisis intervention provide support during life’s most difficult moments.

Together, these efforts reflect Chabad’s commitment to ensuring that every member of the Jewish community has a way to feel connected — whether by joining a joyful community celebration or welcoming a caring visitor into their home.

Chabad works in partnership with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. According to Rabbi Yossi Laufer, “The annual grant we receive from the Jewish Alliance helps fund the distribution of thousands of holiday resources and educational materials, Camp Gan Israel scholarships, year-round outreach and learning opportunities, and visits to residents in many local living facilities. We are grateful for this support and look forward to continuing our work together, helping people experience the joy of Jewish connection, engagement and community.”

Chabad also values the spirit of partnership that strengthens the West Bay community. It works alongside the area’s two synagogues, with each organization supporting the others to care for and serve the local Jewish community.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island supports Chabad of West Bay through its Community Development Committee. Chabad’s work closely reflects several of the committee’s priorities: making Jewish enrichment accessible, creating meaningful connections across the community and serving vulnerable populations with care and dignity.

For Community Campaign donors, support to Chabad of West Bay demonstrates how local generosity creates real impact for all ages and reinforces the power of collective giving and responsibility. Like all programs and services supported through the annual Community Campaign, it is only made possible by those who are committed to ensuring a vibrant and strong Jewish future.

To learn more about the annual Community Campaign or the grants and allocations process, visit jewishallianceri.org.

BRAD SWARTZ (bswartz@jewishallianceri.org) is the partnerships and fundraising manager at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.