Homebound & Retirement Home Visits

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

Being immobile is a sobering experience: things we take 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, along with good cheer, holiday spirit and hope to those who have the gift of age or the challenge of disability.

Hospital Pastoral Care

Weekly or upon request, Rabbi Havlin or a volunteer from Chabad visits patients at local hospitals to cheer them up, recite a prayer, obtain their Hebrew name for the "Mi-Sheberach" blessing to be recited in the synagogue, and offer continued visits from volunteers when possible. 

Prison Chaplaincy

We visit Bay County's jails and prisons and spend time with 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 or couple to seek 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 grief are accompanied by a crushing feeling of isolation and bewilderment at the many unknowns of this new, uncharted territory.

Chabad Care's mission is to help you navigate this unexpected time with guidance, support, and connection to people who can help.

Military Helping Hand

Chabad Care assists Jewish men and women serving at Bay County's Tyndall Air Force Base and local Naval base, as well as other military installations around the state, with Jewish books, materials, and moral and spiritual support. Jews and other minority service members 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 study about and observe their respective traditions. Chabad Care provides them with a sense of family and community.

Students

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

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

FSU-PC students, GCSC students, or students at any other institution: you can reach out anytime! 850.252.5550

Homeless Aid

We help coordinate wholesome meals and basic supplies for people experiencing homelessness, when volunteers and resources allow.

Friendship Circle

Founded in 2021.

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.

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