Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Jewish children from across Orlando are joining together with the task of mixing, kneading and making blessings at Orlando’s first-ever Mega Babka-llah Bake on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., at the Chabad of Greater Orlando, lcated at 708 Lake Howell Rd., Maitland.

Organized by Chabad of Greater Orlando, participants will learn how to mix, knead and shape their own traditional challah and twist together delicious chocolate babka, a traditional Eastern-European Jewish sweet cake.

Challah, considered one of the most famous Jewish foods, often refers to a braided bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat and other holidays. However, in its more basic and biblical meaning, challah is the piece of dough that is traditionally separated and consecrated to G-d while baking bread, a mitzvah that has been performed by Jews for more than 100 generations.

“Baking challah is a time-honored mitzvah (commandment) dating back to our matriarchs,” says Esther Hoffer, co-director of CKids and one of the event organizers. “This is a great opportunity for so many Jewish children from all different backgrounds, to come together and celebrate our heritage in a fun and hands-on manner.”

This year brings added significance as the world marks 50 years since the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—initiated the Mitzvah Campaigns, a historic undertaking that lowered the barriers to religious engagement and emphasized the infinite potential within every individual.

This event is open to children ages 5-12. For more information and to RSVP, visit http://www.ChabadOrlando.org.