The Great Challah Make
Michelle Favero, Manager, Marketing and Communications
A magical morning
Last Friday morning, the campus was filled with the magical sounds of children singing, blessings being shared and music being played. Over 620 Primary parents and students gathered in the MPH (a bit of a squeeze) to celebrate the School’s 40th Anniversary with an inspiring Kabbalat Shabbat and Challah Make.
Parents, Graeme Pillemer and Adam Chimes, along with Remi Owen (Music Teacher and Co-ordinator of Music Events), were the perfect musical trio to accompany the children’s Shabbat songs. Morah Bar-On (Head of Primary Hebrew) danced and cajoled parents to join their children in song while Adam Carpenter (Head of Primary Jewish Studies) provided context to the prayers and led the parents blessing their children.
420kg of challah dough!
With great (and unexpected) speed, parents and their children gathered in their designated venues to start the Challah Make. Primary parents, Monica Rosenfeld and Naomi Hersch, and Head of Jewish Life, Adina Roth, took centre stage. With 90 rolls of baking paper, 50 litres of oil and 420kg of challah dough, the Great Challah Bake began.
While Monica and Morah Adina shared challah stories and their incredible Challah know-how, Naomi – challah plaiter extraordinaire – guided us through the process of creating challot that would take pride of place of our Shabbat tables.
Doughnuts and pizza
Each child received a copy of The Great Challah Bake to take home – a booklet filled with challah-inspired stories and blessing. It includes a wonderful parable by Morah Adina about doughnuts, pizza, the Little Red Hen and challah. In case you haven’t seen a printed copy, don’t despair – you can read it all by clicking here.
Planning for the Primary Kabbalat Shabbat and Great Challah Make was a huge undertaking and we are We are so grateful to the P&F, parent volunteers and in particular, Justine Hofman, for helping to bring this milestone event to life. We also thank Emanuel Staff – Belinda Levin, Stevie Levenston, Adina Roth, Hagit-Bar-On, Adam Carpenter, Remi Owen, Isabelle Anne and Ben Marshall for playing a key role in the planning and execution of the event. Many others assisted including the IT and Maintenance Departments, Primary teachers and Administration staff.
A magical morning
The community event’s success is reflected in the positive feedback received by students are parents.
“The challah make was memorable and fun. Making the challah together was a bonding moment with my parents. It had a tasty ending.” Orlando Van der Starre, Year 6
“I love making Challah with my family. I was so overjoyed to have my friends by my side. With lots of laughter I was extremely impressed with my dad’s challah rolling. The challah was delicious! My family liked our challah better than the store bought one.” Paz Lywood, Year 3
“The school did it yet again…another seamless, cohesive event where everyone was surrounded by family and friends. It was wonderful to see the community unite and children sing to mark this significant event. I celebrated the school’s 10th anniversary and so was particularly proud to be part of this special milestone too! Plus, I had two challot for Shabbat dinner, which was a bonus! Thanks to the school and P&F for such a beautiful morning.” Year 5 Parent
“It was wonderful to witness the beautiful Shabbat vibe at school and then join with so many other parents and kids to make challot together. The bonus being learning how to make round challot and neater strands! The delicious aroma of them baking at home brought such a special Shabbat and community feeling to round out the 40-year celebration. Thanks to all involved!” Year K parent
“It was a magical morning and a completely beautiful way to mark our school’s 40th year full of community, song and challah making fun. Thank you so much to the organiser who thought of every single detail for a seamless and sentimental morning.” Year 2 Parent
Shabbat Shalom and happy challah making and baking.
