1,000+ Montreal Women at ‘Mega Challah Bake’

It was the hottest event in town with tickets completely sold out and community members trying to frantically secure a place last minute, and what an event it was! Mega Challah Bake 2014 was a tremendous, inspiring, life changing experience. One thousand women from all walks of Jewish life from every community in Montreal packed into one room, all there to do the Mitzvah of baking Challah, and hundreds more watching live from their homes.

The tables were magnificent! Each table was set up with all the ingredients necessary for each woman to mix and knead her own bread. A table captain was assigned to assist and welcome each person and make them feel warm and comfortable. Refreshments lined every table along with literature, a schedule of the evening’s events and a pink souvenir bag which every attendee took home.

As the room filled with Jewish women, ushers welcomed them and helped them find their table. Soon the room was packed to capacity, and the event opened with Amanda Spiro’s introduction and warm welcome, followed by a few words of Tehillim with Rebbetzin Liba Mochkin of Chabad of Mont Tremblant. Rebbetzin Rivka Sternberg of Chabad of Cote St Luc went on to speak about her father, Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, OBM, being that the evening was dedicated to his memory.

A beautiful video, illustrating the origins and significance of the Mitzvah of Challah was shown and then Cindy Becker spoke poignantly about her precious connection to Challah baking and how it saved her little boy and her family when they needed an anchor more than ever. There was not a dry eye in the audience as she shared how her Chabad Rebbetzin Dina Krasnanski of Chabad of the Town came to California where her baby was being treated, and amidst all the pain and worry suggested “come, my niece lives nearby, let’s go make Challah.”

Then it was time to make the dough. Rebbetzin Devorah Shanowitz of Chabad of Westmount carefully explained the meaning behind each ingredient as all the women in the room began to mix and knead their dough as one unit, one family. While the dough was rising, the crowd was treated to an inspiring singing performance by Bashie Naparstek, Malky Shuchat and Chaya Serraf. One can only imagine the powerful force present in that room as arm in arm, one thousand Jewish women sang together “Hinei Matov Umanayim Sheves Achim Gam Yachad.”

Following the singing, Rebbetzin Sarah Raskin of Chabad of Cote St Luc regaled the crowd with stories, anecdotes and thoughts on the Mitzvah of Challah and finished with a Lechaim and a prayer for health and blessings for all.

Finally, it was time to take Challah. Rebbetzin Raskin led the crowd in the blessing and a small piece was removed from every bowl in the room and combined to be taken home and burned. Harei Zu Challah!

Braiding the Challah was next! Laughter and joy was felt as new techniques were tried by many guests. Rebbetzin Dina Krasnansky patiently outlined the steps involved to make four braided Challahs, six braided Challahs and the round weave Challah.

Everyone was so proud of their Challahs and took them home eagerly to be baked. There was a unity shared that evening amongst those who were present and many went home inspired and excited about this Mitzvah. They families were able to partake in the Mitzvah too during the Friday night Shabbos meal.

The Mega Challah Bake Committee deemed it a tremendous success, beyond what they expected and are looking forward to planning next year’s Mega Challah Bake 2000!

Photos by Sara Wenger