The High Holidays proved to be extra meaningful for me this year. Besides enjoying the services at the Chabad of Laguna Niguel, I saw my daughter experience the Holidays with a new level of maturity. The discussions we had regarding our goals for the New Year were precious. “Mama, I am going to work harder at school, Hebrew school and dance classes. I will try and be nicer to my brother this year. I would also like a new American Girl doll.” I had to chuckle at the last part. After all, she is only 8 years old.
And what would Rosh Hashanah be without gorgeous, round challah? Right before the Holidays my husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary by taking our first vacation without the kids. I am forever grateful that my Mother was able (and willing) to watch my kids for the week. My 8 year old is easy. My 3 year old is a mazek. Knowing my Mom had her hands full while we were gone; I was surprised to find all this challah goodness waiting for me in my freezer!
My kids always have a great time making challah with their Savta Bobbi. And when I say “make”, I am not just talking the braiding of the dough. My Mom involves them in the whole baking process. She even allows my 3 year old to crack the eggs!
Let me tell you that the challah doesn’t just look amazing, it tastes a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Oh, I know that you all may think your Mother/Grandmother/Aunt makes the best challah…but I’m convinced my Mom’s challah is the best. Somehow, her challah tastes buttery although it is completely parve. You can tear a piece off and there are no crumbs left behind because the challah has the perfect amount of moisture. When she adds chocolate chips, the challah turns into a rich, sweet bread that my kids love to eat for dessert.
But wait, it gets better! My Mom can also shape the challah into Hebrew letters. How cool is this???
But there is much more to these beautiful challah letters than baking prowess. In the August/September/October issue of Beth Chaim’s online newsletter, Janet Freiman shares what makes these challahs so special.
“We knew that Bobbi is a Hebrew School teacher and is the main organizer and orchestrator of the wonderful food at the Ruachs and Friday night onegs. What we didn’t realize was that in addition to being available to hire for Bar or Bat Mitzvah onegs, Bobbi offers each B’nei Mitzvah student the opportunity to come to her home and bake the challah that will be used at that student’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This isn’t just a time to work; Bobbi talks about Judaism and cooking and life and, in the process, forms a relationship with teenagers as they’re forming the letters of their name challah.”
What a special gift my Mom gives to the children of Beth Chaim! And what a special gift she gives to my own kids each time they bake challah with their Savta!
By the way, my freezer is now empty. Hopefully, my Mom can visit soon and fill it up with some more challah…or kugel…or cookies…or brownies…hey, I’m not picky – just hungry!
