Our Story

Nell Ester

Nell grew up in San Francisco. The daughter of hippies, she pursued work experiences that gave meaning to her life. These included Outdoor Adventure Leader, Jewish Program Instructor, Circus Star, Sailor and Entrepreneur. After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in Physics and Theater Arts, she traveled to Israel to study Jewish texts and Spirituality at NISHMAT: The Jeanie Schottenstein Center For Advanced Torah Study For Women. Bringing people together and sharing her love of Judaism always played a central role in Nell’s life. Taking the helm at Afikomen Judaica in 2008 was a natural extension of her interests and passions. “I was pregnant with my second child when we decided to buy Afikomen. In fact the sale was supposed to go through at the exact same time as the birth. To our great relief, the birth was on time and the sale of the business took an extra two months”.

Among many hats, Nell is the social media maven, events coordinator, website wizard, showroom designer and business manager. Her exceptional newsletters, filled with holiday teachings, merchandise and music videos, share Afikomen Judaica with community members near and far. She feels a deep sense of accomplishment in serving the community and connecting people to their Jewish heritage. You can find her in the park playing Ultimate or listening to country music.

Rabbi Chaim

Born in Los Angeles, Chaim is a second generation Californian. One of two male students in the original Women’s Studies course at University of California Santa Cruz 1979, he has always been a trend setter. His adventurous spirit led him to Israel, where he earned his Rabbinic ordination, and other far flung countries of the world. He returned to California in 2000. That summer Nell and Chaim met at the Rainbow Gathering in Montana and married two years later (but that’s a story for another time). In 2005 Chaim answered a help wanted ad for a sales associate at Afikomen Judaica. As soon as he started working at the shop he felt his unique life experience and knowledge were valued and perfectly matched for this profession. His yeshiva training and personal Jewish practice gave him the opportunity to be a resource for the diverse Bay Area community. He rose from sales associate to book buyer, and never looked back. 

Chaim keeps the gears oiled and the shop ship-shape. His expertise is cherished and relied upon by customers from across the Jewish spectrum. Manager, curator, book-buyer and Rabbi, are just a few of the roles Chaim fulfills with charm and excellence. You can find him tending his garden or learning Hassidic teachings while listening to Jerry Garcia Radio.

Nell & Chaim

In 1991, Jerry Derblich and David Cooper opened Afikomen Judaica on Claremont Ave in Berkeley to fill a gap in the Jewish community. In 2008, Nell and Chaim bought Afikomen Judaica from the original owners.

Now it’s been 16+ years! They raised their kids in the store, celebrated 20 years of marriage and are still going strong. Afikomen continues to strengthen Jewish community by providing authentic and accessible engagement with Jewish life. The brick and mortar store provides access to ritual items and Jewish culture. Nell and Chaim’s partnerships and connections across the spectrum of Jewish life create a welcoming space for everyone.

They constantly source beautiful and inspiring merchandise, both classic and eclectic, to inspire Jewish living. They opened Afikomen Bookshop online, as part of the bookshop.org sophisticated online platform, to meet the needs of their booklovers near and far. The Afikomen Judaica website with merchandise, events and more fulfills their longtime vision of bringing Afikomen Judaica’s stunning merchandise to an even broader audience.

“We look forward to celebrating Jewish life with you!”

~Rabbi Chaim and Nell Ester