Kosher Guide to Nantucket

Jewish Community on Nantucket

Nantucket has a vibrant Jewish presence, particularly during the summer months, with two organizations serving the community.

Chabad of Nantucket

Chabad of Nantucket, led by Rabbi Levi Alperowitz and Mrs. Roza Alperowitz, is an affiliate of Chabad of Cape Cod and the Islands. They offer Shabbat dinners that bring the community together, services and Torah study, children's programs and youth activities, holiday celebrations throughout the year, and lifecycle event support.

Their philosophy is one of radical welcome: "Whether you've never sat at a Shabbat table or tradition is your routine, this is the place for you." Contact them through their website for current schedules and to arrange Shabbat meals.

• Website: nantucketchabad.org
• Parent organization: Chabad Lubavitch of Cape Cod

Congregation Shirat HaYam

Congregation Shirat HaYam has been an inclusive Jewish presence on Nantucket since 1983. This pluralistic congregation welcomes everyone from all denominations and is supported by approximately 270 member families. Services are led by talented Rabbinic and lay leaders.

• Address: 62 Centre Street, Nantucket
• Phone: (508) 228-6588
• Website: shirathayamnantucket.org

Kosher Food: Your Options

1. Prepared Meals from Chabad of Cape Cod

Chabad of Cape Cod in Hyannis offers prepared kosher foods produced fresh at the Chabad Center under the supervision of Rabbi Yekusiel Alperowitz. During summer months, they specifically accommodate tourists visiting Cape Cod and the Islands. Contact them well in advance of your trip to arrange prepared meals that you can bring to Nantucket on the ferry.

• Location: 745 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
• Website: chabadcapecod.com

2. Stop & Shop on Nantucket

Nantucket has two Stop & Shop locations, both of which carry kosher products. Both stores feature specialty and kosher foods sections with packaged kosher foods (cereals, snacks, canned goods), kosher dairy products, kosher frozen foods, kosher wines, fresh produce, and some kosher bread and bakery items.

• 31 Sparks Avenue: (508) 228-2178, Open daily 6 AM - Midnight
• 9 Salem Street: (508) 825-8833, Open daily 6 AM - 9 PM

Important: Selection is limited compared to mainland stores. For specific items, especially meat and poultry, plan to bring food with you.

3. Better Kosher Shopping on the Mainland

If traveling through Hyannis (where ferries depart), these mainland options have better kosher selections:

• Stop & Shop, Marstons Mills (Route 28) - Kosher chicken and kosher bakery section under KVH supervision
• Stop & Shop, 655 Iyannough Road, Hyannis - Glatt kosher chicken, Pas Yisroel challah and whole grain bread
• BJ's, 420 Attucks Lane, Hyannis - Pas Yisroel rye bread and challah, kosher certified smoked salmon and whitefish

4. Shipping from Boston

For extended stays, consider ordering from Boston-area kosher markets:

• Zayde's Market (Greater Boston) - Full-service kosher market with delivery options - (781) 828-3530 or zaydesmarket.com

Self-Catering Strategies

Most kosher visitors to Nantucket rely on self-catering. Here is how to make it work:

Accommodation with a Kitchen

Book a vacation rental or hotel suite with a full kitchen. This is essential for kosher travelers. When booking, confirm the rental has a full kitchen (not just a kitchenette), plan to bring your own pots, pans, and utensils if needed or kasher rental equipment, pack aluminum foil pans for easy cooking and cleanup, and consider a portable grill if grilling is important to you.

Fresh Fish Strategy

Nantucket's seafood markets sell excellent fresh fish. Fish with fins and scales (cod, flounder, salmon, striped bass, halibut, tuna, sea bass, bluefish) are kosher when purchased from a reputable fishmonger. This allows you to enjoy ultra-fresh local seafood during your stay.

• 167 Raw - Fresh fish counter
• Sayle's Seafood - Local fishermen's catch
• Straight Wharf Fish Market - Dockside freshness
• Nantucket Meat & Fish - Quality selection

Note: These are not kosher-certified establishments. Consult your rabbi regarding purchasing fish from non-kosher fish markets.

Dining Out: Realistic Options

While there are no kosher restaurants, some options exist for eating out:

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

For those whose kosher observance allows eating vegetarian food at non-certified restaurants, Nantucket has several options with strong vegetarian menus:

• The Proprietors Bar & Table - The chef is vegetarian; diverse plant-forward menu
• Dune - Can prepare vegan tasting menus upon request
• Lemon Press - Fresh juices, falafel, and vegetarian options
• Oath Pizza - Build-your-own vegetable pizzas

Important: These restaurants are not kosher-certified. Whether eating at non-certified vegetarian establishments aligns with your level of observance is a personal/halachic decision.

Coffee and Simple Items

Plain coffee, fresh fruit, and packaged items with kosher certification can often be found at coffee shops (black coffee, tea), grocery stores' grab-and-go sections (check labels), and farmer's markets (produce).

Shabbat on Nantucket

Shabbat on Nantucket can be a beautiful experience. The island's natural pace aligns well with Shabbat rest.

Planning Your Shabbat

• Contact Chabad of Nantucket in advance to join their Shabbat dinner - this is the best way to have a communal Shabbat experience with kosher food
• Check Congregation Shirat HaYam's schedule for services
• Prepare your own Shabbat meals if staying in a rental - cook Friday afternoon
• Enjoy Shabbat walks - Nantucket's beaches and historic streets are perfect for a Shabbat stroll

Candle Lighting

Nantucket's longitude means candle lighting times differ slightly from Boston. Check Chabad.org for exact times for Nantucket, MA (02554).

Planning Timeline

• 4-6 weeks ahead: Contact Chabad of Nantucket about Shabbat dinners and community events
• 2-3 weeks ahead: Contact Chabad of Cape Cod to arrange prepared meals
• 1 week ahead: Shop at Boston-area kosher markets or order for shipping
• Day before departure: Pack coolers with meat, frozen items, and perishables
• Ferry day: Stop at Hyannis grocery stores for any last items before boarding

Sample Kosher Weekend on Nantucket

Friday

• Morning: Arrive via ferry with coolers packed
• Afternoon: Shop at Stop & Shop for produce, dairy, bread; begin Shabbat prep
• Evening: Candle lighting, attend Chabad Shabbat dinner or enjoy your own meal

Saturday (Shabbat)

• Morning: Services at Congregation Shirat HaYam or Chabad
• Afternoon: Shabbat lunch at your rental, followed by beach walk or nap
• Evening: Seudah shlishit, Havdalah as the sun sets over the harbor

Sunday

• Morning: Fresh fish from Sayle's, prepare at your rental
• Afternoon: Explore the island - beaches, historic downtown, bike paths
• Evening: Dinner from your prepared meals, sunset at Madaket

Additional Resources

• KVH (Vaad Harabonim of Massachusetts): kvhkosher.org - For certification questions
• Chabad.org Kosher Locator: Find kosher resources anywhere
• Jewish Federation of Cape Cod: jewishfederationofcapecod.org - Community resources