A beautiful and uplifting mother-daughter Hafrashas Challah event marked the conclusion of another year of remarkable success at Ateres Chaya Mushka.

The evening was dedicated to expressing gratitude to Hashem, to the Rebbe, and to all those who partner in the sacred mission of Chinuch. It celebrated the warmth, love, and devotion through which Ateres Chaya Mushka nurtures every student.

In connection with this week’s parsha, Shlach, which contains the mitzvah of challah separation, the evening focused on the profound meaning of this special mitzvah, a symbol of gratitude and blessing.

The program opened with a Rebbe video of the Rebbe speaking about the three special mitzvos entrusted to Jewish women and girls.

Mrs. Leah Levine, Principal of Ateres Chaya Mushka, shared a beautiful maamar on the mitzvah of Hafrashas Challah.

The Torah states:

“ראשית עריסותכם חלה תרימו תרומה…”

“Of the first of your dough, you shall set aside challah as a gift.”

Another source for this mitzvah appears in Sefer Yechezkel:

“ראשית עריסותכם חלה תניחו לכהן ברכה לביתך”

“The first of your dough you shall give to the Kohen, so that blessing may rest upon your home.”

The Rebbe highlights that among the twenty-four gifts given to the Kohanim, challah is unique because the Torah explicitly associates it with bringing blessing into the home.

The Rebbe further explains that the mitzvah of challah was given to women as a rectification for the chet eitz hadaas, the sin of the Tree of Knowledge. Adam, who was formed by Hashem from soil and water, is referred to as the “challah of the world.” Since Chava caused a spiritual blemish through that sin, women were given the special mitzvah of challah to bring blessing, holiness, and spiritual refinement into their homes.

The obligation of challah applies when flour is combined with water and kneaded into dough. The Rebbe explains that flour symbolizes Torah, while water represents humility and heartfelt prayer, as expressed in the verse, “Pour out your heart like water.” Before Torah can truly be absorbed, it must be preceded by humility and a sincere connection to Hashem.

One of the most touching parts of the evening was the students’ presentation on the three special mitzvos of Jewish women.

The second and third grade girls performed a beautiful song and dance about challah separation. The fourth grade girls presented a dance celebrating the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles, while the kindergarten girls delighted the audience with a performance about modesty.

Following the performances, mothers and daughters joined together to prepare their challah dough. The atmosphere was truly heartwarming. Families worked side by side, helping one another, sharing smiles, and creating a sense of unity and community.

The room felt like one family, with every girl enthusiastically participating in the preparation of her challah.

The highlight of the evening was the actual challah separation. Together, participants recited the blessing and offered heartfelt prayers for their families, their community, and the entire Jewish people.

A special prayer united everyone present: that Ateres Chaya Mushka continue to grow both in quantity and quality, welcoming increasing numbers of students seeking a joyful Chassidishe education rooted in Torah values and purity, and that it bring honor to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin.

Ateres Chaya Mushka is now enthusiastically opening registration for girls ages 3 to 12.

We are grateful to share that government voucher programs are available to qualifying families, helping make quality Jewish education accessible to more children.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our partners in Chinuch: our dedicated parents, exceptional teachers, devoted office staff, wonderful students, supportive building owners, cherished family members, and the entire Crown Heights community.

Ateres Chaya Mushka, where every girl is cherished, inspired, and empowered to shine.

Now enrolling girls ages 3 to 12.

A warm, joyful, Chassidishe education with the highest standards of Torah values.

For enrollment:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 347-470-5711
Website: acmschool.com