April showers bring May flowers… Passover and Matzoh brings Shlissel and Challah.
This week, Operation Challah of Detroit celebrated the mitzvah of Challah making, Shlissel (key challah) led by Sarah Babayov and Aviva Gordon at Bais Chabad of North Oak Park.
Eva Feuerstein was the MC extraordinaire who regaled the girls and ladies with the importance of each dough ingredient during the challah dough preparation. While the dough was rising, Seema Selmar, teacher and lecturer, shared insights on Shlissel Challah and then led the Challah braiding into KEY shapes.
This custom originated when Eliyahu Hanavi instructed a poor woman to first give him a portion of her food to fulfill the mitzva of Challah. He knew that in the merit of this mitzva, through which one expresses belief in G-d’s ability to provide under any circumstances, the woman would earn an adequate livelihood even during a period of severe drought and shortage. Also, by giving Challah to Eliyahu, she gained access to the key to parnasa (livelihood) which he held at that time, and thereby secured her livelihood. In addition, this custom become synonymous with the beliefs that G-d provides us with our parnasa.
In recognition of the manna we received in the desert, we include a key either placed in the Challah dough and/or make the dough into the shape of a key -immediately following the Shabbos after Passover.
Amazing work, Aviva!! As per the usual, it looks like another beautiful and successful event!!
Way to go Aviva and team Detroit. We’re so happy to be part of your wonderful event 🙂