Emet’s Women’s Division rose to the occasion with a motivational and meaningful challah bake. Over 150 mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends gathered in solidarity to “knead, connect, and pray” for Am Yisrael. Held at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, the décor featured a Kotel backdrop to evoke Yerushalayim and there were many impactful touches that added to the emotion of the night. It was clear that this was not a typical challah bake since, aside from ingredients, each table displayed framed photos of chayalim who lost their lives in the war.
The evening began with guests mingling while sharing a buffet dinner. Mrs. Jackie Bitton opened the program with Tehillim and moving words of chizuk. Ms. Adina Fendel, Emet Women’s Director, then shared a powerful video presentation. “We dedicated the night to the entire Am Yisrael, but specifically to the chayalim who have been killed. We wanted the women to see the incredible video from Hadas Lowenstern whose husband Elisha was killed in Gaza,” Adina explained. “Her tribute to his life and her uplifting words show her incredible emunah, bitachon, and the strength we have as women. There were many tears in the room and her words set the tone for the rest of the night.”
The challah bake portion of the evening began with beautiful singing of “Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim,” led by student Odelia Matatov. Then it was hands-on, as Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi guided the participants through the steps of preparing the dough. She reminded the women of the hostage’s mother who did hafrashat challah and then found out her daughter was released. When it was time to make the brachah, each table read the names of the soldiers that were displayed, so the mitzvah was l’ilui nishmatam.
After the tefilah portion, while waiting for the challahs to rise, there was a heartfelt kumzitz. Student leader Leyam Badalov had the group join her in singing “Ana B’Koach,” and everyone put their arms around each other in achdus. “We ended the night with singing and dancing since we also celebrated Leyam’s engagement. It was a mix of many emotions, but it was also filled with simcha,” Adina said.
There were many appreciative comments from the girls and their mothers about sharing this moment. “My mother and I attended the challah bake and it was such an uplifting experience. It was really meaningful to join so many women in honoring the hardship that Israel and the IDF are facing right now. We felt hope and strength and that Am Yisrael is united,” Rachel Lyalmiyeva, an Emet student said. “We were really touched by the video and were inspired by saying the brachot together. It was a night we’ll remember.”
