On Sunday night, Yeshivat He’Atid hosted its first ever challah bake. The event was conceived, organized and chaired by Laura Ruben, a Yeshivat He’Atid parent of twin seventh graders Matthew and Abigail Ruben and third grader Hannah Ruben. After attending the Bergen County, Challah Bake in 2015 with 1000 women and children, Laura was inspired to organize an event like this on a smaller and more personal scale for Yeshivat He’Atid mothers and children. The event was well-attended by over 110 parents and more than 80 children.
The challah bake was lead by Rebbetzin Rochie Pinson, who briefly led the participants in an educational discussion about the history of challah and its spiritual meaning. Rebbetzin Pinson then directed all the participants to mix all the ingredients in their bowls to make the dough. While the dough was rising, participants were able to approach Rebbetzin Pinson to introduce themselves, to ask about the quality of their dough and to purchase her newest cookbook, “Rising! The Book of Challah.” Rebbetzin Pinson graciously autographed the books and took pictures with participants.
With all the dough ready, Rebbetzin Pinson separated the challah and said the bracha having everyone else in mind. The resulting amen was as inspirational as it was loud and clear. During the bracha, participants were encouraged to concentrate on the memory of those in whose memory the event was sponsored, on people who need refuot, parnassa or zivugim.
Next, Rebbetzin Pinson demonstrated how to roll out the dough and modeled some braiding techniques. She also shared tips for baking and storing your challah and raw dough. Children and adults had the option to apply an egg wash and go to topping bars that were set up to add a final touch to the challot. The challot were then ready to head home to await being baked for Shabbat.
Yeshivat He’Atid’s first challah bake was a huge success, and Rebbetzin Pinson complimented the warmth she experienced in being welcomed by the Yeshivat He’Atid community. Parents too felt the evening to be incredibly fun, engaging and spiritual. This event brought the entire community together on multiple levels, including the many adults and children who volunteered to purchase supplies, measure ingredients, set up and clean up the space. The participants also included some non-He’Atid families, who all remarked how beautiful and warm the school was.
Yeshivat He’Atid is grateful to the many local sponsors for this event: Glatt Express, Cedar Market, Grand and Essex, Zadies, Solene and Stop and Shop. Contributions allowed this event to be profitable and money raised will go to Yeshivat He’Atid’s parent association (YHPA) which subsidizes many school activities and raises money for scholarships.
