On Wednesday, September 20, Central held its annual Great Round Challah Bake. The Challah Bake is an event that many at Central have come to eagerly anticipate - an opportunity for the school community to bond and daven during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva. "The Great Round Challah Bake is always a meaningful occasion for Central - a chance to be together at the beginning of the semester,” said Dean of Students Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz (‘06).
“This week's Challah Bake will be even more significant as we work to promote the year's theme of positivity. Spending time together as a community is a positive act that will influence students in a lasting way." Much of the Central community attended, and the crowds of mothers, aunts, daughters, sisters, alumnae, and even incoming eighth graders made for a bustling, dynamic evening. The night began with a delicious dairy dinner, followed by the Challah Bake. While the dough was rising, participants were privileged to hear an inspirational speech by special guest Mrs. Maya Namdar, who lost her daughter, Liel A”H, in a car accident in December 2021. In her talk, “L4L: Live for Liel,” Mrs. Namdar spoke movingly about drawing strength from faith in the wake of her loss and the power of prayer. One of Central’s Programming Directors, Mrs. Yael Axelrod, spoke to the significance of the event. “The Central Challah Bake is always a meaningful way to kick off the new school year,” said Mrs. Axelrod. “We invite our students to bring their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and any other special women in their lives to Central for the spiritually uplifting experience of baking challah together, and fulfilling the mitzvah of hafrashat challah. This year, hearing the heartwarming story that Maya Namdar had to share added even more inspiration to the evening.” Following Maya’s keynote, Central students and guests had fun braiding and “topping” their challahs. This event was made possible with the assistance of the Central Parent Council and the Central Cooking Club, led by Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz. Many thanks to them, and a hearty thanks to Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz, Mrs. Yael Axelrod, and Ms. Leah Moskovich, whose leadership and coordination made this special event a success.
