2,500 Attend ‘Kosherfest’ in Berlin
Berlin experienced an unforgettable day of Jewish pride and awareness on Sunday, March 15th. It was difficult to recognize the halls of the Intercontinental Hotel of Berlin. Hundreds of women and children gathered for a tremendous event taking place in Berlin for the first time – a Mega Challah Bake.
Wonderful aprons, recipe brochures, bowls, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, sesame seeds and everything else needed for baking was prepared for the ladies to conduct one of the three Mitzvos they are uniquely supposed to perform – baking challah.
“Come on, Ladies, the dough is like life, show it some power” – motivated Sheina Tiechtal, the Jewish school principal and the moderator of the event, who came to Berlin from New York especially for the occasion.
Right when the numerous challahs were sent to the oven, the ‘Kosherfest’ was begun by the greeting words of Rabbi Y. Teichtal – Rabbi of the Jewish community of Berlin and the Chairman of Chabad Jewish Educational Center Berlin.
“Especially now, when some Jewish people in Germany have concerns about staying Jewish openly, it is extremely important that we are here today. It shows that we are here, we are proud and that we want to share our culture and traditions,” shared the main organizer of the event.
‘Kosherfest’ was a combination of a fair – where the producers and sellers of kosher products and services could present themselves and an opportunity to learn at the workshops and seminars – as well as a chance to taste fine kosher dishes made by the chief cook of Intercontinental Berlin in a live-cooking show, and just to enjoy a great Sunday in a warm atmosphere with great Jewish music.
Among others, the event was visited by vice president of German Bundestag, Ms. Petra Pau, members of the parliament, among them Mr. Klaus-Dieter Gröhler, ambassadors of Poland and other countries, and State Secretary of the Berlin Senate Ms.Toepfer-Kataw.
“I am very happy and proud to be here today” – said Ms. Pau – “this event shows that Jewish people are an integral part of the German society. It is a sign of tolerance and respectful co-existence of various cultures.”
Altogether ‘Kosherfest’ was attended by 2,500 Berliners and guests of the city.
