Women in Northern California have gone meshuggeneh for the Mega Challah Bake. Mega meshuggeneh.
The Chabad-sponsored event continued its impressive run by drawing 200 women and girls on Jan. 15 in Lafayette and, just three days later, 120 more in Sacramento.
The Jan. 15 event at the Veterans Memorial Hall was “momentous,” said Chaya Berkowitz, co-director of Chabad of Contra Costa County. “It was beautiful to see the unity of so many women from all over the county and beyond, and from such diverse backgrounds. They appreciated the detail, preparation, energy, spirit, diversity and unity.”
Sacramento’s first Mega Challah Bake, held at Haggin Oaks golf complex, was described afterward by one organizer as “a fabulous event.”
In addition to getting hands-on experience, attendees also learn about the spiritual meaning and significance of the ingredients. Sara Briman, an award-winning baker from Mexico, was on hand at both events last week, imparting not only preparation tips but the prayer behind each ingredient.
“In preparation of the [ritual] separating of the challah, Sara led a meditation and prayer, and the room got silent so you could hear a pin drop,” Berkowitz said. “The energy and strength was palpable.”
The Bay Area’s first big Mega Challah Bake, in Piedmont last year, was attended by 180 women and girls (12 and older). The event has been around for a while, but its popularity is growing: Events last year in the Toronto and Boston areas drew more than 1,000 and 350 women, respectively.
Another local Mega Challah Bake is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael. For cost and other information, visit www.challahbake.com.