NOVEMBER 23 • 2023 | 47

Challah Bake

A

mid the ongoing 
crisis in the Middle 
East, it’s natural to 
feel a sense of despair. While 
residing in the safety of our 
homes, it’s common to grapple 
with a feeling of privilege and 
guilt, especially when faced 
with the inability to assist 
the Israelis and Palestinians 
experiencing hardship.
At Hillel of Metro Detroit, 
the students baked challah 
with proceeds donated to 
the IDF. Engaging in the 
mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah 
fosters a spiritual connection 
to the turmoil in Israel and 
serves as a productive way to 
contribute. 
Baking challah holds 
deep significance in the 
Jewish tradition, dating 
back millennia. Apart from 
being a crucial element in 
the cultural observance of 
Shabbat, the process involves 
a specific Jewish blessing 
known as Hafrashat Challah. 
This commandment instructs 
setting aside a portion of 
challah dough — even 

as small as an olive-sized 
piece — as a gift for the 
Kohanim, descendants of 
Aharon. Although the ritual 
circumstances have changed, 
and the third Beis Hamikdash 
is yet to be rebuilt for proper 
sacrifices, the tradition 
persists, symbolized by 
burning the piece of challah.
Donating to FIDF supports 
various initiatives, including 
education for soldiers, aid 
for Lone Soldiers, financial 
assistance, medical support 
for injured soldiers, spiritual 
projects, infrastructure for 
IDF members and more.
By baking challah, Hillel of 
Metro Detroit and I found a 
meaningful way to aid both 
spiritually and physically. 
Despite the ongoing challenges 
in the Middle East and the 
persistence of antisemitism, 
we proudly continue these 
traditions within the Jewish 
faith and culture. @

B Goldman is a freshman at Wayne 
State University majoring in political 
sciences.

Hillel of Metro Detroit’s sale benefits the IDF.

B Goldman } jewish@edu writer

Students at Hillel 
of Metro Detroit 
baked and sold 
challah to benefit 
the FIDF.

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