A Place to Stay for Shabbos in Toms River, NJ
Fifteen beds, at capacity nearly every week, all by word of mouth — for teens and young adults who need somewhere to stay over Shabbos near Toms River and Lakewood, NJ.
Who stays over Shabbos
Shabbos hosting is one of the oldest forms of Jewish hospitality, and it's the heart of what we do. Some guests live too far to walk home — coming in from Lakewood, Jackson, Howell, Manchester, or further. Some are between yeshivos or apartments and have nowhere set up for Shabbos. And some just need a weekend of breathing room from a tense situation at home. Whatever the reason, a bed at the Bunker comes with the same deal as the table: free, warm, and judgment-free.
How staying over works
We host 15 beds, and most weeks they fill — so reach out before Shabbos rather than showing up Friday afternoon. Weekends run separately for boys and girls, the house has clear rules, anyone under 18 needs parental approval, and everything operates with ongoing guidance from rabbanim. From candle lighting to Havdalah, guests are part of the family — meals, singing, downtime, and the doodles included.
Beyond Shabbos: when a few nights are needed
The Bunker is not a shelter or residential facility — but when a teen or young adult needs a safe bed for a few weeknights while something more stable comes together, we can sometimes help with emergency temporary housing, and we'll always help connect you to the right longer-term services.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reserve a spot for Shabbos?
WhatsApp or call 718.781.6405, or send the contact form, ideally a few days before Shabbos. Beds go by word of mouth and most weeks reach capacity.
Does staying over cost anything?
No — the bed, the meals, and the whole Shabbos are free, like everything at the Bunker of Light.
Can girls stay over too?
Yes — boys' and girls' Shabbos weekends run separately, with appropriate supervision and rabbinic guidance.
One message is enough to start.
Reach out for yourself, your child, a student, or a friend — quietly, warmly, and always free.