In July 2008, Rabbi Chaim and Nell Mahgel-Friedman bought Afikomen Judaica from the original owner. Over the past three years they have cultivated Afikomen into a flagship of Jewish creativity, spirituality and social responsibility.
Afikomen provides the community with Judaica, books, toys, music, holiday goodies and all the special items for life-cycle events that are expected from such a store. What continues to distinguish Afikomen from internet retailers and other stores is the selection, variety and quality of our merchandise, the knowledgeable staff, and the store's comfortable atmosphere. Afikomen provides you years of experience about the things we sell and what is available for special orders. We take pride in being the community's resource for Jewish life-cycle and lifestyle necessities.
Afikomen is taking a leadership role in promoting local economic sustainability.
Chaim serves on the steering committee of Buy Local Berkeley (buylocalberkeley.com), which encourages consumers to shift some of their buying to locally owned, independent businesses. Doing so has shown real economic impact on the local community. 'Buying Local' constitutes an element of the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam or improving global sustainability.
Nell is a graduate of the Women's Initiative for Economic Sustainability, and a member of the Women's Initiative Success Link business group.
Think Jewish; Shop Local!
Afikomen stocks items from local artists, authors and musicians and truly appreciates those individuals and institutions that choose Afikomen as their first choice for Judaica.
If you are in the area, we hope you will come by to see our newest items and to buy what you need for the next holiday or your family celebration.
Our store hours:
Sunday 11am - 5pm
Monday 11am - 6pm
Tuesday 11am - 6pm
Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
We rest on Shabbat (Saturday) and rejoice on the Jewish holidays
