Chabad of Orange County Holds Pink Mega Challah Bake
Women from across Orange County gathered for a “Pink Mega Challah Bake” in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Hosted at the scenic Rosmarin’s Pavilion in Monroe, over 100 women joined together to bake challah from scratch in the “pink spirit.” Hosted by Chabad of Orange County, led by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, proceeds from the event will be donated to the non-for-profit organization, Sharsheret.
The “Pink” event was highlighted with meaningful and informative messages from local breast cancer survivors, Suzy Merin of Goshen and Janice Spencer of Monroe.
“Knowledge is power,” Suzy Merin explained, “Your gene composition used to define your future but with medical technology and research advances, you can alter the outcome!” Suzy shared her story of surviving breast cancer, and her daughter’s recent journey in which she underwent preventative surgery to avoid a similar diagnosis. “Years later – in an odd way, I look at my cancer experience as a blessing. I no longer sweat the small stuff and have learned to keep things in perspective.”
Suzy is active in the national non-for-profit organization Sharsheret. “The breast and ovarian cancer organization that helps women and their families is an amazing group that was there for my family every step of the way. From peer support to genetic conversations to supplying drain holders and mastectomy pillows – Sharsheret supported my daughter as she recovered.”
Janice Spencer offered practical advice based on her breast cancer journey of how to support a friend going through treatments. “If you offer to help in some way, usually the person in need of help will not have the courage to call on you for what they need,” she explained. “Instead, simply initiate helping in any way you can – drop off a meal, grocery shop or the like. Your actions will go far.”
The elegant evening boasted bursts of pink color on every table, with gorgeous pink flowers and a delectable Pink Dessert Bar. All enjoyed fine kosher wine, fresh challah rolls, “Pink” Beet Hummus and a variety of healthful salads! Participants were gifted with lovely door prizes of pink shabbat candles, challah brushes and measuring spoons.
Pink aprons were put on and the baking began, directed by Chana Burston. (The large crowd waved their challah brushes in the air as tables competed in a humorous and original game of “Jewish Women Caught in Orange County!”)
“The Mitzvah of Challah has been a strong tradition passed down for thousands of years, mystically linked to bring abundant blessings, especially of health and livelihood” said Chana Burston, who greeted the large crowd and acknowledged the vast community effort put forth to make the event a success. Chana presented gifts to the event chairs – Anita Reich of Monroe and Suzy Merin of Goshen, as well as to guest speaker Janice Spencer of Monroe.
Additional highlights of the evening included an uplifting concert with singer and guitarist Chava Morgenstern of Rockland. Lively Israeli dancing was led by Limor Einav and Marcella Lejovitzky, of Curves Gym, Monroe.
Chana explained the important tradition of making a blessing and separating a portion of dough, commemorating the portion of dough given to the priests in the times of the Holy Temple. Mother and daughter Harriet Goldsmith of Middletown and Dr. Ellen Solomon of Goshen led the crowd in the blessing of “Hafrashat Challah (separation of the challah).”
When the dough is separated, it is considered an opportune time to pray. Yael Block and daughter Haley Resti, of Monroe, read a psalm for healing. Block’s mother is a breast cancer survivor and she dedicated the prayer to her mother’s continued good health.
Once the dough was ready to be braided, Chabad’s crew of “braiding experts” offered each table personalized instruction on unique braiding techniques. Participants decorated the loaves with both pink toppings and traditional Challah toppings.
“I felt lots of energy and love attending this great event,” said Samira Galler, of Monroe.
The community effort invested in the event was tremendous. An array of wonderful raffle prizes was generously donated to raise funds for charity. Aaron Fried of Monroe, of Handy AF, gifted a hand carved wooden Challah Board. The Harriman Clothing Shop donated a gift certificate. Artist Michele Dixler of Monroe contributed a handcrafted necklace, Ariel Gordon of Sadie’s Ceramics in Goshen donated a Ceramic Jug, Corbett Hoffman of Goshen donated an Italian Pink Cashmere Scarf and Janice Spencer of Monroe donated an array of luxury lotions and diffusers. Anita Reich of Monroe sponsored a Shabbat package, Sonia Young of Buffalo donated an original watercolor, and Suzy Merin donated kosher wine.
The event was sponsored by the Rosmarin Family of Monroe, Lon and Suzy Merin of Goshen, Joe and Abbe Distelburger of Goshen, Michael and Corbett Hoffman of Goshen, Lydia Hoffman, of Manhattan, Brian and Janice Spencer, of Monroe, Randi Silberman of Tuxedo and Ira and Karen Kanis of Monroe. Many volunteers helped package ingredients and set up the event. For more information on Chabad Jewish Women’s Circle, log onto chabadorange.com, chana@chabadorange.com or call 845-782-2770. For more information on Sharsheret, log onto sharsheret.org
