The Jewish community of Pacific Beach has a new, permanent home to worship. Chabad of Pacific Beach, the newest Jewish community in San Diego, opened its Chabad House on Mission Boulevard in July. “The idea is to bring Jews together to build a community here in Pacific Beach,” said Rabbi Yossi Tiefenbrun. “It definitely is a wonderful place. People are very welcoming and loving and caring.” The Chabad House is part synagogue, community center and classroom for local Jews. Tiefenbrun, whom congregants simply call “Rabbi Yossi,” runs the show. “There was nothing Jewish actually in Pacific Beach,” Tiefenbrun said. “One of the main things we want to do is start a community here.” Chabad is a Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism that was started nearly 200 years ago. The word itself is an acronym of the Hebrew words for wisdom, understanding and knowledge. “The Chabad movement is to go out to the far places like Pacific Beach and bring people together to teach them Judaism,” Tiefenbrun said. As far as beliefs, Chabad is similar to Orthodox Judaism. The main difference between the two is in action. “We’re more into the outreach, to go out to bring people close and bring people in,” Tiefenbrun said. “Traditional Orthodox (Jews) stay closed in their own places and they don’t mix in with the rest of the world.” Although Chabad of Pacific Beach is the first of its kind in the area, Tiefenbrun said Chabad is worldwide. “Chabad is an organization which is all over the world. Wherever you go you’ll find Chabad,” Tiefenbrun said. “We’re just a branch.” Chabad of Pacific Beach offers Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services. This month they are offering beginners Hebrew classes every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. “We’re just people that want to help other Jews find their way,” Tiefenbrun said. Tiefenbrun said all people are welcome at Chabad House. Most of the programs, however, are geared toward Jews. “We cater mainly to Jewish people,” Tiefenbrun said. “We’re not looking to bring people to the religion. We’re here mainly to teach the people that are here.” CHABAD OF PACIFIC BEACH: 4150 Mission Blvd., Suite 200; (858) 246-6279; www.chabadpb.org