A Place for Shabbos Near Lakewood, NJ
Looking for a place for Shabbos in or near Lakewood? Twenty minutes away in Toms River, the Bunker of Light sets a free Shabbos table — and fifteen beds — for Jewish teens and young adults every single week.
A real Shabbos table, twenty minutes from Lakewood
Every week, teens and young adults from Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Howell, and across Ocean County land at the same long table in Yosef and Sarah Shidler's home — kiddush, singing, real food, farbrengens, and conversations that keep going long after the meal. No cost, no signup sheet at the door, no questions about where you're holding.
Some guests come once for a meal. Many come every single week. Rides from Lakewood can usually be arranged before Shabbos — reach out and we'll figure it out together.
Need to stay over? There's a bed
If you're too far to walk home, between yeshivos or apartments, or just need a weekend of breathing room, we host fifteen beds — at capacity nearly every week, all by word of mouth. Boys' and girls' weekends run separately, the house has clear rules, anyone under 18 needs parental approval, and everything runs with ongoing guidance from rabbanim.
Shabbos, Shabbat — the door is the same
Litvish, Chabad, Sephardi, Modern, formerly frum, or not sure what you are right now — whether you grew up saying Shabbos or Shabbat, the table doesn't check labels. Plenty of our regulars weren't sure they wanted anything to do with Shabbos when they first walked in. They stayed because nobody pushed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a place for this Shabbos?
WhatsApp or call 718.781.6405, or send the contact form — ideally a few days ahead. Meals always have room; beds fill nearly every week.
Does it cost anything?
No. The meals, the bed, and the whole Shabbos are free, always — the Bunker of Light is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
I'm in Lakewood without a ride. Can I still come?
Reach out anyway — rides from Lakewood are usually arrangeable before Shabbos, and we'd rather solve a ride than have you sit home.
One message is enough to start.
Reach out for yourself, your child, a student, or a friend — quietly, warmly, and always free.