(Courtesy of Fleetwood Synagogue) Fleetwood Synagogue’s challah bake was a fun, educational and messy affair.

Bakers of all ages worked at individual stations to proof and knead dough and personalize toppings and fillings with raisins, cinnamon, sprinkles and chocolate spread. During the time needed for the dough to rise, Rabbi Yosef Cohen of Fleetwood Synagogue, located in Mt. Vernon, New York explained the halacha of “hafrashat challah” (taking the dough). The youngest bakers did not hesitate to get messy and make sure the dough and flour was evenly spread throughout the shul’s social hall. A dairy dinner sated bakers’ appetites as fresh baked challah filled the air.

Rebbetzin Eliana Cohen had the monumental task of preparing challah rolls for the shul’s communal Shabbat lunch. Dozens of fresh rolls were prepared to accompany the lunch prepared by shul’s kitchen committee, a spread featuring cholent, grilled and breaded chicken, salads, kugels, pastas, and dessert.

The challah bakers certainly rose to the occasion for a fun night with friends.