Photo Credits: Hadassah Esther
Chabad of Baka’s event hall in the Talpiot neighborhood of Jerusalem was filled to the brim on Thursday evening, 14 Kislev, as 150 women of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gathered to bake challah together and to celebrate Jewish femininity.
Participants were greeted by a delicious dessert buffet from Holy Bagel and beautifully set tables laden with individually prepared bowls with placemats, personalized aprons, recipe magnets, and pre-measured ingredients for baking the traditional challah bread together.
The honored guest speakers at the event were Jerusalem’s Deputy Mayor Fleur Nahoum, a dear friend of the Chabad of Baka community who was instrumental in securing the plot of land they acquired from the City Hall for their new building site, and Ruthy Leviev-Yalizarov, an accomplished businesswoman, marriage therapist, and mother of seven who co-founded the “She’asani Isha” foundation to spread awareness and passion for the mitzvah of family purity.
Heartwarming words from Jerusalem’s Deputy Mayor:
Ruthy Leviev-Yelizarov’s talk:
In honor of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s wedding anniversary, the theme of the evening was the three mitzvot of Jewish women. Making challah was the central activity, while the keynote speaker, Leviev-Yalizarov, focused on the deeper meaning and joy in the mitzvah of Mikva.
Nechama Dina Hendel, shlucha at Chabad of Baka, shared a personal story about the impact of lighting Shabbos candles and the blessings associated with lighting on time or even a little bit early.
The inspiration behind her story came from the following Jem video: https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/livingtorah/player_cdo/aid/1663548/jewish/Healing-Light.htm
Talented musicians, Judith Litoff and Aviella Trapido, led the crowd in song and dance.
Members and volunteers of the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem, directed by Chabad of Baka, were included in the celebration, as well as students from Darkeinu, a division of Midreshet Lindenbaum for students with special needs.
“What a joy to be in a room with women of all ages, from seminary students to seniors, and to experience the beauty of inclusion,” Yocheved, a special-ed teacher and participant, shared.
Pictures of creatively shaped loaves with interesting toppings accompanied the positive feedback that participants shared after the event.
Hindel remarked, “The energy in the room was electrifying,” and Juliet wrote, “My challahs come out really beautifully for my first time making challah- if I may say so myself.”
The Hakhel women’s event was dedicated to the full and speedy healing of the devoted shlucha in the Virgin Islands, Henya bas Bracha Devorah Leah, and Tehillim was recited in her merit.
Chabad of Baka is now in the midst of an exciting campaign to build their new center to welcome olim to Jerusalem and to host their myriad classes and events, including programs for the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem which they direct.
Video of Chabad of Baka:
In addition to the bountiful zchuyos associated with tzedakah in general, we learn from our Rebbeim that there is a special zchus to donate to Eretz Yisrael and to give tzedaka on Chanukah.
May we all experience overflowing brachos of revealed good with the final Geulah!
What a beautiful event!
Such an honor to be a part of it BH!
הפרשת חלה נשים