Shabbat Project kicks off with a Challah Bake: A time for unity, community and gratitude

By Regan Lipes

(AJNews) – It is an exciting time of year once again, when Jewish people connect spiritually with communities around the globe to light up the world with the radiance of Shabbat. As both Jews and valued allies of Israel celebrate the return of the remaining brave hostages held for over two years in abhorrent captivity, this year’s Shabbat Project is a poignant time to come together in gratitude and resilience. What the Jewish world has endured in uniting to support Israel should stand as a shining reminder that Am Yisrael is unbreakable. In the moving words of the Shabbat Project’s visionary, Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Warren Goldstein: ” This year’s Shabbat Project arrives as we offer gratitude for the final release of all our hostages and for a ceasefire that has emerged from the great victories Israel has achieved.”

In Edmonton, Beth Israel Synagogue is ready to ignite its unified spirit with a Shabbos Project program that is certain to bring the light of Shabbat to the community. It kicks off on Tuesday, November 4 with Beth Israel’s annual Challah Bake, and as the dough rises, so will everyone’s enthusiasm! BI’s new president, Philip Kirman says: “The annual Challah Bake has become a cherished tradition at Beth Israel, one that continues to energize and inspire our community each year. It brings together women and girls of all ages in a meaningful celebration of unity, creativity, and Jewish spirit — a true reflection of the warmth and vitality of our congregation and community.”

In Calgary, Chabad of Alberta is hosting a special Challah Bake for girls and women on Thursday October 30 with an Evening of Gratitude that starts at 7 pm. The event includes uniting as a group to bake challah, rejoicing to thank HaShem for the safe return of the hostages with music and dance and  praying for the IDF, the wounded and the return of the deceased. The event is sponsored by Hillel of Calgary and is free for University students. Tickets are $20.00 and refreshments will be served. Click here for more information and to register.  

In Edmonton, organizing co-chairs Mira and Lauren, together with many volunteers, are working to make sure this year’s Challah Bake will be memorable. When asked what inspired her to volunteer, Mira reflected: “I have volunteered with the Shabbos project set up for the last several years, as well as being an eager participant with my daughter Leah, because who doesn’t love the smell and taste of freshly baked challah on Shabbat? When asked if I would consider co-chairing this year’s Shabbos Project, I was happy to do it. The Challah Bake was something that I have looked forward to every year, and this year it is especially meaningful to be able to gather as Jewish women and rejoice in the miracle of our hostages finally reuniting with their families, something that I have been praying for every Shabbat. Their return reminds us of the strength and unbreakable bond that holds us together as one people , no matter where we are, and gathering together to make challah infuses us with peace in our hearts and hope for the days ahead.”

If 2024’s lineup is any indication, attendees can look forward to a Challah Bake for women and girls that will promise a chance to catch-up with friends, and to welcome some new faces. Last year’s Challah Bake was an unrivaled success, as they welcomed many Edmonton Jewish Community residents. Children ran about with exuberance, and afterwards everyone enjoyed seeing pictures of one another’s braided masterpieces on social media. This year organizers hope to bring out even greater numbers to multiply the fun and revelry for the Shabbat Project festivities. In the words of Rabbi Goldstein: “Over the past two years, our people have endured unimaginable heartbreak and displayed unwavering heroism. This year’s Shabbat Project is dedicated to celebrating the Divine gift of Shabbat that has held us through it all.”

Attendees can look forward to more than just mixing ingredients with their nearest and dearest shoulder to shoulder including a special singer from our community performing beautiful traditional Jewish songs. The Edmonton Jewish Community is encouraged to register online or call the BI office and ensure their spot for the women and girls Challah Bake, hosted at BI with generous and enthusiastic support of many organizations.

Every year the Edmonton Shabbat Project highlights an essential and impactful organization, and participants are offered the opportunity to donate to this cause. This year the Edmonton Shabbat Project and Challah Bake selected Beit Halochem Canada.

For those unfamiliar with the work of Beit Halochem: “At Centres in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, Nahariya, or the future Ashdod, Beit Halochem is a place where the courageous men and women, who have sacrificed so much for Israel, can rebuild their lives after injury. At its leading-edge facilities, Beit Halochem provides a wide selection of services to its members and their families, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, therapeutic devices, specialized sporting equipment, coaching, cultural activities, and vital PTSD support” (beithalochem.ca).

Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to this worthy organization committed to chesed.

In addition to November 4th ’s Challah Bake, Beth Israel will be hosting Shabbat Project programs on November 7 and 8 beginning with Kabbalat Shabbat followed by Shabbat dinner. On Saturday, there will be a luncheon following morning services. Afternoon programs will include inspirational NCSY-style ebbing, a musical Havdalah and Ice-cream party.

No one in the Edmonton Jewish community will want to miss this year’s activities and programming. Register for the Challah Bake and Friday night dinner online at www.familyshul.org or call the Beth Israel office at 780.488.2840.

Rabbi Goldstein is unwavering in his conviction: “Because Shabbat is who we are. This has always been the driving vision of The Shabbat Project since its founding. Shabbat is the heartbeat of our people. It is the Divine gift that has carried us through the generations. Our sages teach that Shabbat is our yedid nefesh, our soulmate.” Be part of the healing.

Regan Lipes is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.