If I was told a few years ago that I would bake challah every week and feel so passionate about it, I wouldn’t have believed it.  I’m sharing my experience with you as it has brought so much goodness to my life, healing during this pandemic, personal growth, and connection to Hashem and such wonderful people.

 

As a newly married woman, sixteen years ago, my husband and I would often be invited for Shabbat meals at our friends’ homes. I was always so impressed by the taste, aroma, and beauty of their bread, enjoying it with the delicious meal that was served.  Although I always loved cooking, I didn’t take to baking challah.  I attempted to make it a few times and it just didn’t work for me.  The dough would come out tough.  There was something missing.  I couldn’t figure it out.

 

When my older girls were small, my husband decided that he wanted to make challah for Shabbat.  Being involved in getting ready for Shabbat is important to him and most of all he enjoys.  The Torah teaches that each member of the family should participate in the preparations for Shabbat.  Some of our great Sages would stop their learning to set the table for Shabbat, do the groceries, prepare the candles and the wicks, and other tasks.  For many months, on Thursday nights, I made the dough and Ilan would knead and braid the challah.  Not only are those moments special memories in our early years of marriage, but they also showed me truly what a special man I am blessed to have in my life.

 

Let’s fast forward about five years.  Life became fuller and busier with more children and responsibilities.  Each week, I would go to one of the bakeries in our area and buy several loaves of challah and rolls for Shabbat.  One day, my friend and I decided to bake challah together.  What I didn’t know then was that from that moment on, my challah baking would begin and continue weekly until today.  For many months, my friend and I would get together Friday morning, prepare the dough, wait for it to rise, do the hafrashah, braid and bake the challah.  I learned some amazing tricks and techniques from watching her (and all the love she put into it!).  Once the pandemic and lockdown happened, we could no longer bake together in person, which for a while made me sad.  Nevertheless, we found a way to come together and keep our ritual going through weekly video calls.  

 

Over the past few months, my challah baking moved in a whole new direction, when I met an incredible individual named Esther.  From the moment I met her, I could feel her kindness, love, warm heart, and beautiful energy.  I received a message through a group I had joined, which spoke about her organization that helps families in our community.  While Esther was asking for help from women to prepare meals for Shabbat and holidays, what she may not have realized was how much she would give to those who were giving to her.  She charged me with the task of baking challah.  When Shabbat ends, I am already looking forward to connecting with Esther to discuss the plan for the coming week.  

 

Much like other women and moms have shared with me, the pandemic left a void for each of us in different ways.  In reflecting upon the past year, I now see that baking challah has been a healing experience that helped replace some of the sadness, overwhelm, and frustration I felt at times, with an inner calm and joy.  Sharing my challah is a huge blessing that Hashem has bestowed upon me, for which I am so grateful.  Each time I give someone challah they thank me, but it is really I who should thank them.

 

The mitzvah of challah has taught me a few important lessons.  First, that we should never despair because when we open our eyes and take a look, something wonderful is happening right in front of us.  Surrounding ourselves with people who will lift us up and influence us to do great things is what helps us grow, become better people, and can bring us lots of joy. Giving is really receiving, as when we give we are able to feel more open, connected, and joyful.  When I see my family eating the challah, I realize that this challah has the power to create feelings of warmth and love, providing us with special memories of Shabbat that we will cherish forever.  Association Les Anges D'Esther is holding a fundraising campaign to raise money for Passover. food and essential items.  To learn more about Esther's organization, contact on estherlevy555@gmail.com,  Facebook: Esther Levy or Instagram @les_anges_d_esther_association.

 

Shabbat Shalom

Xoxo

Beth