SAR’s newly renovated cafeteria was buzzing recently with 100 parents and students at its annual Shlissel Challah Bake. The event, organized by the SAR High School Parent Association, was co-chaired by parents Marcy Cohen, Yael Federbush and Michelle Zellner. As Michelle shared, “It was wonderful to be in the building together and to finally have the opportunity for parents to meet and connect with each other as a community. For many, it was their first parent event since the pandemic.”

Chanalee, “The Challah Fairy,” led the challah bake, providing many useful baking hints and tricks along the way to assist in preparing the dough and braiding beautiful challot for Shabbat. Shira Schiowitz, member of the Judaic studies department, offered thoughts about how baking challah symbolizes our partnership and relationship with Hashem: “While God provides the raw materials, it is only through our work that we elevate the raw materials into bread.”

The challah bakers placed a key in their challot to help ensure good fortune for the year to come. Throughout the academic year, the SAR Parent Association organizes various events for parents to engage as a community and sponsors programs for students and faculty, such as their Yom Ha’atzmaut festivities.