Mothers and Children Unite in Schoolwide Challah Bake

At the main entrance of Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch (OYYL) on Chof Beis Shevat, mothers gathered for an early Challah bake with their children to commemorate Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s Yartzeit.

OYYL Directors, Mila Schneiderman and Sheli Atara Man, organized the event as an initiative to honor the Rebbetzin and her devotion to the Rebbe and the Chassidim. The children heard stories about the Rebbetzin and Sheli shared her personal inspirational Challah story with the children.

Naomi Schleifer, a mother of three boys enrolled in Preschool and Elementary grades at the school, joined the Challah bake with her first grader, Menachem Mendel, and her two daughters, Bluma and Tzvia. She expressed that the event fostered a strong bond with her children and the women in her community, enabling her kids to showcase their talents.

Mila Schneiderman expressed how deeply touched she was by the significant impact of the Challah bake on the children. The genuine smiles and pure joy they experienced while making Challah illuminated the school building. She appreciates the wonderful school community and looks forward to welcoming new families to the new school building at 333 Albany Ave.

Shaindel Gourarie, a fellow mother whose son Elchonon is in the OYYL nursery class, attended the Challah bake with her two boys. She, too, found the experience of baking Challah and performing the Mitzvah of Hafrashas Challah with her children to be inspiring and meaningful. Shaindel expressed that the Challah bake was a delightful and special occasion where she could engage in a sacred and enjoyable activity with her young children, all while listening to Sheli’s heartwarming story about Challah. The table was beautifully arranged with all the necessary supplies, making the Challah-making process a breeze. Shaindel’s children thoroughly enjoyed kneading the dough, a task typically reserved for Mommy. Overall, it was a wholesome and joyful experience, and, not to mention, the Challah turned out to be delicious!

Every Thursday, the children at OYYL School make Challah dough with Morah Sheli, relishing the process and the mitzvah of Hafrashas Challah. They eagerly anticipate taking home their Challah dough, which has become a significant part of their Shabbos preparation. The school’s focus on the Shabbos theme throughout the year has intensified, especially as Rosh Hashanah coincided with Shabbos this year, allowing the children to experience the beauty of Shabbos blessings daily.

At OYYL, we emphasize that instilling mitzvos and values should begin at a young age, taught with love, enthusiasm, and consistency. Following the Rebbe’s teachings, we believe that actions speak louder than words, ensuring that we practice what we preach.

OYYL at 333 Albany Ave hosts various programs, including the Shabbos Party from 3:30pm to 4:00pm every Shabbos, welcoming everyone to join. Registration for Preschool and Elementary grades for both girls and boys is now open at our locations.

For more information, please visit the OYYL website.