Chabad of the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Communal Shabbos meals at the Chabad centre in Piantini, served after the Friday night and Shabbos morning services. The food comes from Chabad's own kitchen — the same operation that runs Rimon Kosher Market next door — under Rabbi Pelman's supervision, with locally shechted poultry and premium Glatt kosher meat imported from the United States. The table mixes the small resident community, business travellers passing through Santo Domingo and holidaymakers who have based themselves near the shul for Shabbos.
How it works
Reserve in advance by WhatsApp on +1 (829) 906-2649 or by email, giving your numbers and any dietary needs. Confirm service times at the same time, since they shift with the season. If you would rather eat where you are staying, the same kitchen prepares Shabbos meal packages for collection or delivery — order at least twenty-four hours ahead, and note that Rimon Restaurant and Rimon Kosher Market both close at 4:00 PM on Friday and do not reopen until Monday. There is no eruv anywhere in the Dominican Republic, so nothing may be carried on Shabbos.
Times
Friday evening meal following Kabbalas Shabbos, Shabbos day meal following morning services
Walking
In the Piantini district of Santo Domingo. Several international hotels — the JW Marriott, Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites among them — are a seven to fifteen minute walk away, which makes this the one place in the country where you can straightforwardly walk to shul and a Shabbos meal.