The Rohr Chabad Jewish Community Center

Serving Jewish life in Sofia with warmth, connection and Shabbat hospitality, services & kosher support

Location: Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Organizer: The Rohr Chabad Jewish Community Center

About

A hub for Jewish life in Sofia

The Rohr Chabad Jewish Community Center is a welcoming Chabad House in Sofia, Bulgaria, supporting Jewish life for both locals and visitors.

Residents and travelers in Sofia, Bulgaria can turn here for Shabbat and holiday support, Torah learning, and a warm local connection.

Highlights include:

Synagogue services and Jewish practice support
Torah classes, adult education and Jewish learning
Children's, youth and family programming
Shabbat hospitality, holiday support and kosher assistance

Additional services may include: Chabad House, Mikveh, Library, Preschool, Teen Club, Bat Mitzvah Club, Senior Care, Religious Instruction for P.S. Students.

If you are looking for Jewish life, practical help, or a warm community connection, this center is here to welcome you.

About the provider

Rabbi: Rabbi Yosef Salamon

The Chabad center is led with dedication and care, offering guidance, support, and a welcoming presence for the local Jewish community and visitors alike.

Kashrut & dining

Kashrut authority: fixed · fixed

Services

Weddings
Shabbat/Holiday Hospitality
Mezuzah Loans/Service
Women\'s Group
Marriage Prep
Seniors Visitation
Regular Classes
Hospital Visitation
Kitchen Koshering
Hands-on Holiday Programming
One-on-One Study
Mezuzah and Tefillin Checking
Communal Lectures
Holiday Awareness Programs
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Instruction
Library
Mikve
Synagogue
Adult Education
Chabad House

Location

Address: Stara Planina Street 38, Sofia, 1504, Bulgaria

Contact

Organizer: The Rohr Chabad Jewish Community Center (Rabbi Yosef Salamon)
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Website: https://chabadbulgaria.org

Explore More

About this listing

The Rohr Chabad Jewish Community Center serves as the primary heartbeat of Jewish life in Sofia, Bulgaria. Led by Rabbi Yosef Salamon, the center provides a dedicated space where locals and international travelers can connect with their heritage. Whether you are looking for a place to daven, a warm Shabbat meal, or guidance on navigating Jewish life in the Balkans, this Chabad House offers a welcoming environment for all levels of observance.

Operating as a multi-functional hub, the center ensures that the practical and spiritual needs of the community are met. From Torah classes to holiday programming, it fosters a sense of belonging in a city with a deep and complex Jewish history. For those visiting Sofia for business or tourism, the center stands as a reliable resource for kosher support and communal connection.

About the area

Located on Stara Planina Street in the 1504 district, the center sits within a historic part of Sofia. This neighborhood is characterized by its blend of traditional Bulgarian architecture and modern city life. It is conveniently positioned within walking distance of several major transport links, making it an ideal base for Jewish visitors exploring the city.

Sofia itself has a long-standing Jewish heritage, particularly within the central districts where the Jewish community has historically resided. The presence of the Rohr Chabad Center in this area continues a tradition of Jewish activity in the heart of the capital, providing a bridge between the city's storied past and its active present-day community.

Nearby Jewish landmarks

The Chabad House is situated near several landmarks essential to Jewish life in Sofia. A prominent neighbor is the Sofia Regional Synagogue, one of the largest Sephardic synagogues in Europe, known for its intricate Moorish Revival architecture and historical significance.

Travelers can also visit the Monument to the Salvation of the Bulgarian Jews, which stands as a testament to the local community's resilience during World War II. The central location provides easy access to Sofia’s main cultural hubs, including the National Gallery and the historic Tsar Liberator Boulevard.

For those requiring a mikvah, the center maintains facilities on-site or can provide directions to the nearest communal ritual bath, ensuring that essential religious needs are met while staying in the Bulgarian capital.

What to expect

Visitors to the Rohr Chabad Jewish Community Center can expect a variety of religious and social services designed to support Jewish practice. The center hosts regular synagogue services, providing an opportunity for public prayer and Torah reading. Educational opportunities are abundant, including one-on-one study sessions, adult education classes, and specialized programming for children and teens.

Hospitality is a cornerstone of the center's mission. Shabbat and holiday meals are a regular occurrence, offering a festive and traditional atmosphere for those away from home. The staff can also assist with mezuzah and tefillin checking, kitchen koshering, and providing information on kosher food availability within the city.

Beyond its religious functions, the center provides social services such as hospital visitations and senior care, reflecting its role as a comprehensive community support system. Families will appreciate the preschool and youth clubs, which ensure that the next generation remains engaged with their Jewish identity while living in or visiting Bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to make a reservation for Shabbat meals?

While visitors are always welcome, it is highly recommended to contact the center in advance via their website or phone to confirm meal times and availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Where can I find kosher food in Sofia?

The Rohr Chabad Center frequently assists travelers with sourcing kosher products. They can provide information on local shops that carry kosher-certified imports or bread under specific supervision.

Are there daily minyanim at the Chabad House?

Yes, the center facilitates prayer services. It is best to inquire directly about the current schedule for Shacharit, Mincha, and Maariv, as times may vary based on the season and the presence of a minyan.

Is the center accessible by public transportation?

The center is situated in a central part of Sofia on Stara Planina Street, which is accessible by the city's tram and metro networks. It is a manageable walk from many city-center hotels.