Cleveland Jewish News

‘Mega Challah Bake’ a Hit in Cleveland

Hundreds of women celebrated the 70th birthday of Cleveland Chabad Rebbetzin Devorah Alevsky as they participated in the first Mega Challah Bake at Young Israel of Greater Cleveland in Beachwood.

The event, to benefit the Cleveland Kosher Food Bank, was co-chaired by Arlene Fine, Sheri Foxman and Alevsky, and also honored volunteers from the food bank. In October 2013, 2,000 women attended the first ever mega challah bake in South Africa, which Alevsky said inspired the Chabad movement to hold mega challah bakes throughout the world.

It was a spirited evening for the 500 attendees as children, mothers and grandmothers rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty to mix flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, oil and eggs. After preparing the round loaves, Alevsky led the women in dancing to Hebrew songs.

“You’ve made this the most memorable birthday,” Alevsky said from the synagogue’s podium. “I’ve thought to myself, how do you celebrate a milestone birthday? I just want to say Shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higianu laz’man hazeh. For me, this is the way to celebrate. I don’t need any gifts. I have devoted my life to helping others.”

In 2013, the food bank distributed 22,000 pounds of food and is looking to help more people in 2014. Alevsky’s parents founded the organization 40 years ago and did much more than provide food for people, she said. They helped Russian immigrants adjust to life in Cleveland, gave them clothing and furniture and invited them into the Jewish community.

When baking challah people pray for peace, nourishment and sustenance in one of the three mitzvot for women, Alevsky said. The other two are lighting candles and going in the mikvah. These mitzvot are the feminine qualities of Hashem, she said.

“Right now, what we’re trying to do with this mega challah bake is for all the organizations in town to come together, pray and share this nourishment,” Alevsky said.

Shoshana Warn of University Heights, a member of Young Israel of Greater Cleveland in Beachwood, came to the event with her colleagues. She makes challah at home, but thought this would be fun.

“It sounded really interesting,” Warn said. “It’s nice to learn a new way to bake challah.”

With yeast and flour stuck on her arms, Maggie Abrams of Orange, 10, made challah with her mother Hallie Abrams. She bakes challah at home with chocolate chips or raisins, and said it is much easier because she can use a mixer.

“I like challah,” she said.

Samantha Froimson of Shaker Heights is a member of Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike who has volunteered at the Kosher Food Bank for the past five months. As a dietitian and a nutritionist, she believes in helping people and making sure they eat healthy.

This was her first time baking challah and she said it was easy if one followed instructions.

“It’s definitely a great cause and I hope it gets more and more volunteers,” Froimson said of the food bank. “It’s been really great. I enjoyed it.”

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2 Comments

  • What a Lady

    Mazal Tov to Mrs. Devonia Alevsky on this momentus occasion of her 70th birthday.
    She is a Shlucha par excellance!!!!!!!!!!
    She speakes beautifully and practices what she preaches!!!
    What a Kiddushe Hashem to bring together so many different women and talk about the Mitzvos of women.
    Her entire life is devoted to helping others and doing the Rebbe’s work.
    May Hashem bless you with abundence of Brochas!!!!

  • So special

    Great idea! Another sign of Moshiach’s times when all will gather to do the will of Hashem.

    Thanks for initiating this in Cleveland and for all the holy work the Alevskys, and their children do to inspire the Jewish Community.

    Devorah, you are a true Aishes chayil setting a wonderful example to all.