As Jewish women and girls around the globe excitedly create traditional “shlissel challah” in many unique shapes, designs and sizes, Chabad SWB in Cooper City, Florida, organized a fascinating evening with challah expert and acclaimed cookbook author, Rochie Pinson.
“Shlissel challah” or “key challah” has become a long-standing custom for Jewish women to bake for the Shabbat after Passover. Tradition has it that the shlissel challah ushers in blessings of great wealth, as the key is symbolic of G-d opening His treasure of goodness and sustenance for all who partake in the special Shabbat bread.
Taking place on the magnificent new 6.5-acre campus of Chabad SW Broward, 120 mothers and daughters excitedly took their places in the beautifully decorated sanctuary for a special evening of inspiration and challah baking.
Each participant received a custom made “Challah Bake” apron, tote bag, challah mat and all the ingredients necessary to create her very own personalized shlissel challah.
With great energy and vibrance, Pinson, author of Rising: The Book of Challah, explained the spiritual significance and special mitzvah given primarily to women of taking challah and demonstrated the art of making beautifully braided challah.
Dozens of her cookbooks were also sold, with Pinson signing each copy and inscribing a personalized message and blessing. In addition to the challah baking, guests enjoyed an array of breads, salads and dips.
The special “Mega Challah Bake” evening was coordinated by Shluchos Gitty Andrusier and Devora Hurwitz.
“As the world celebrates 120 years since the birth of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, to have 120 women from Cooper City gather for such an incredible evening of unity, inspiration and fun, was truly special and meaningful,” said Hurwitz.
Andrusier added, “Since we moved onto our new property one year ago, every facet of Chabad has Baruch Hashem grown exponentially. The Rebbe certainly had a vision when he sent me and my husband to Cooper City thirty years ago. Tonight’s incredible success, seeing women from all backgrounds come together for this beautiful event, was just one more way to see that vision come to fruition.”
Asked how she enjoyed the evening, Idit Saguey of Embassy Lakes replied, “Wonderful, exciting and educational. I cannot wait for the next Chabad event! They are always great and fun.”
The Challah Bake was dedicated to Tinok ben Maya Levy, for a complete and speedy recovery.
Oh ! What a night! Well worth the time and expenditure. A night to remember, a lift to my spirit, which was greatly needed in this time of unrest, inflation, and pandemic. Thanks for the memory.