Challah!

Yesterday evening, I joined 300 women in making a little history here in Cincinnati. We were part of the city's first annual "Mega Challah Bake," an event that celebrated women and our role in families, friendships and the cycle of life! Part of that role for many Jewish women is baking challah, so together we all mixed, kneeded and braided three loaves of challah to bring home and bake!

I figured that, since I was "hosting" my table of ten friends (and they were providing aprons), I should dress up! ;-)

Here are participants mingling beforehand...with a countdown to the start time on the screen.

The event had a superb Mistress of Ceremonies. She did an excellent job of setting the stage for the night and keeping us moving forward. Otherwise, we probably would have chatted with our friends all night and made lumps of sticky, tasteless bread.

My ingredients!

Renee, her daughter Morgen and her mother-in-law. How special to make challah with three generations!

Me, Jessica and Jenn with our dough!

Christine, Rachel, Rachael and Jenny hard at work braiding their dough!

One cinnamon-raisin and one chocolate chip...ready for baking!

Table #7!

 My finished loaves...not too bad-looking and really yummy!

A date has already been set for next year's challah bake, and I'm going to make every effort to attend. I had a wonderful time!! (Hey, Ladies! Mega Challah Bakes are sweeping the nation...look for one in your neck of the woods!)

P.S.  I learned a fair amount last night! Did you know that Japan is the first country to celebrate Shabbat every Friday night at sundown?? Since the country is so far east... Along the same lines, I found it so refreshing to be reminded that, while many cultures place great importance on the men in their society, Judaism has valued women and their roles for millennia! I felt very proud of this fact while sitting among 300 women!