On Sunday evening, February 25, a group of 10 Orthodox women from the Passaic/ Clifton Jewish community joined forces with 10 women from the Ner Tamid Reform Temple in Bloomfield to “Braid for Unity” in a challah bake initiative facilitated by Leat Kuzniar and led by noted Torah teacher Shanny Gejerman, with a stirring musical accompaniment by Ner Tamid’s Cantor Meredith Greenberg.

The event was inspired by a desire to build bridges and unity among Jewish women from different communities in a time when support of one another is critical. The women, from diverse Jewish backgrounds, sang together, learned together, performed the mitzvah of “taking challah” together, and then dug in to knead and braid the dough.

Some chose a four-braid, some dared to try a six-braid. Some were more “professional” looking, some less so. Some sprinkled their challot with cinnamon sugar topping and some preferred poppy seeds. All felt connected and inspired!

The women hope to continue to develop their friendships one on one and in a group setting.