Homebound/Retirement Home Visitations

Rabbi Mendel & Chaya Havlin, along with volunteers from Chabad visit people who are homebound or in retirement homes throughout the State, bringing them joy and inspiration which they so desperately seek and certainly deserve.

Being immobile is a sobering experience: things taken for granted are suddenly scarce, and patients almost always find themselves reevaluating their life's priorities. There is often no better time for compassionate guidance and support, and the representatives of Chabad supply it in ample measure.

On many occasions we bring Challah or flowers before Shabbat, good cheer, holiday spirit and hope to those who have the gift of age or the challenge of disability.

Hospital Pastoral Care

On a weekly basis or upon request, Rabbi Havlin or a volunteer from Chabad visit patients at the local hospitals to cheer them up, recite a prayer, get their Hebrew name for the "Mi-Sheberach" blessing to be recited in the synagogue, and offer any other assistance they may need in their time of distress.

We are here to assist patients with their physical, material, spiritual & emotional needs.

Prison Chaplaincy

We visit Bay County’s Jails and prisons and spend time with the inmates studying Torah, putting on Tefillin and being their liaison with the outside world.

While imprisoned, many of our brothers and sisters use this difficult and unfortunate experience as an opportunity to discover their roots, and turn over a new leaf, thanks to the encouragement and support of these visits. The teachings of the Torah help a person become a healthy minded individual who knows that he or she has a vital part to play in the universe - even from the confines of a prison cell. This is also a preparation for eventual re-entry into society.

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. "Chabad Care" helps individuals and families live through the ups and downs in the most positive way. At a difficult time, a chat with the Rabbi or Chaya may very well help a person see things in a clearer perspective.

We don’t hesitate, when needed, to guide the individual/couple to seek out professional medical help.

Funerals / Jewish Burial Society

Understanding tragedy with compassion.

No one is ever prepared to cope with a tragedy. When people are thrown into that dark abyss of crisis or loss, the pain and the grief is accompanied by a crushing feeling of isolation and bewilderment by the many unknowns of this new uncharted territory.

Chabad Care’s mission is to provide support and assistance to individuals experiencing crisis or tragedy by providing vital community services, which include safeguarding the dignity of the deceased, arranging burial while discouraging cremation, working with the coroner's office to stop autopsies, and assisting the bereaved during these times. Throughout life’s darkest moments, Chabad Care is a source of light and warmth, encouragement and direction.

Military Helping Hand

Chabad Care assists Jewish men and women serving at Bay County's Tyndall air force base and Naval Navy base and other military installations around the State with Jewish books, material, and moral and spiritual support. Jews and other minority soldiers in the military face unique challenges in maintaining their identity. Away from home and community, these men and women in uniform are often challenged by not having the resources available to be able to study about and observe their respective traditions. Chabad Care provides them with a sense of family and community.

Students

Chabad Care and its umbrella Chabad of Panama City Beach seeks to be a "home away from home" for students of high school and universities and offers them a wealth of social, educational and spiritual programs. As college, students are exposed to new ideas and experiences and we seek to ensure that students graduate stronger and more empowered than when they entered.

Our doors are open to every student regardless of background or observance level, with special emphasis on minority students. Programming always reflects tolerant, non-judgmental and open discussions, which is the hallmark of our inclusiveness.

Homeless Aid

Chabad of Bay County provides wholesome food, hygiene, and transportation services to homeless people. 

If you wish to make a donation to further this program, please click here.

If you need to receive these services, please fill out the form linked here.

Friendship Circle

Chabad of PCB is proud to be a home for kids and families with special needs. 

The Friendship Circle is an academic and social enrichment program for children and youth, ages 5 to 21 from underprivileged families in Bay County. Our program is open to all, regardless of background or beliefs.

FC believes in fostering learning within important relationships, using mentorship to teach attitudes, skills and values.