(Courtesy of Valley Chabad) For some, it was their first time baking. For others, it is a weekly household event; for still others, it is becoming an annual tradition. The room was vibrant with music, dancing and inspiration as 280 women attended Valley Chabad’s third annual Mega Challah Bake at the Woodcliff Lake Hilton. Held in memory of longtime member Faye Feit, with special sponsorship by Dr. David Feit, this year’s challah bake featured baking expert and author Rebbetzin Rochie Pinson, who explained the background and purpose of the mitzvah of baking challah and taught specialty braiding techniques. Pinson is also the author of “Rising, the Book of Challah.”

Valley Chabad’s annual challah bake is part of what has become a global symbol of female connection in Jewish communities worldwide, through a craft dating back to biblical days.

The event, explained Valley Chabad Co-Director Hindy Drizin, is a celebration of women’s unity and their connection to the spiritual art of baking challah.

“We ate, we danced, we laughed and we were infused with a renewed commitment to bring more spirituality into each of our homes,” Drizin said. “Of course, everyone was excited to go home and bake their own challah.”

“It was beautiful,” David Feit said. “A wonderful tribute to Faye. Thank you for all the hard work.”

The elegant black and white décor, sourced by Laurie Caspert of You Gotta Have Art, was a definite hit, as was the Mediterranean dinner sponsored by Foremost Caterers.

Event attendee Heidi Pollack summed it up: “The room was absolutely gorgeous, and the food delicious,” she said.