Over 150 Women Gather for a Powerful Mega Challah Bake in Fort Lauderdale with Former Hostage

The Chabad Lubavitch of Fort Lauderdale under the leadership of Rabbi Moishe Meir & Penina Lipszyc recently hosted its annual Mega Challah Bake event, attracting a record-breaking crowd of over 150 women from the local community.

This annule event, which aims to bring together women of different ages and backgrounds to share in the traditional Jewish practice of challah baking. According to organizers, the event’s purpose was to promote unity, community, and Jewish pride.

“We were thrilled to see so many women come together for this event,” said Rebbetzin Penina Lipszyc, host of the Mega Challah Bake. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for women to connect with each other and with their Jewish roots.”

The evening’s program included a keynote address by Judith Raanan, a former hostage in Gaza, who shared her personal story of survival and faith. Participants also enjoyed a buffet dinner, featuring a variety of dishes from soups and salads to a full sushi spread, and an full open bar.

Following dinner, the women gathered around tables laden with ingredients and began the mitzvah of making challah. With flour-covered hands and joyful spirits, they mixed, kneaded, and braided the dough, creating beautiful loaves that would soon be baked to perfection.

To commemorate the occasion, participants received Challah Bake merchandise, featuring custom-designed aprons, tote bags, and other goodies.

The evening was further enhanced by the soulful music of singer Chava Morgenstern, whose melodies filled the room and inspired the women to dance together. The lively dance session brought everyone to their feet, creating a sense of unity and celebration.

The event also featured a Chinese auction, with prizes donated by local businesses, including a spa day, a 2-night stay at the Marriott, and a beautiful diamond Star of David necklace.

This year’s crowd was the largest in Fort Lauderdale’s history, with over 150 women in attendance. Organizers reported that the event’s success was a testament to the growing strength and unity of the local Jewish community especially in the recent times that we are in.

“We’re thrilled to have such a wonderful community behind us! Thank you to our incredible community for your love and support! We’re grateful and excited to continue this tradition for years to come, making it bigger and better” said Rebbetzin Gitty Fayershteyn, organizer of the event!!