On Wednesday evening, November 13, Chazaq hosted its highly anticipated Mega Challah Bake at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, in partnership with the global Shabbat Project. Hundreds of women of all ages attended this uplifting event, designed to celebrate and rediscover the beauty of Shabbat. The evening featured words of inspiration from Mrs. Jackie Bitton and an exclusive challah-baking demonstration by Mrs. Dalia Cohen, creating a night filled with meaning, connection, and tradition.
Are you ready to rediscover the gift of Shabbat? The Shabbat Project, with its powerful motto, “Keeping it together,” empowers women to embrace unity and the transformative beauty of Shabbat. This global grassroots movement brings together Jews of all backgrounds and levels of observance to experience the joy, peace, and serenity of keeping a full Shabbos together. It is a reminder that Shabbat is far more than just a day of rest; it is an opportunity to create joy, meaning, connection, and love—qualities that enrich the soul and elevate the Jewish spirit.
The Shabbat Project began in South Africa in 2013, spearheaded by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein, with the goal of uniting the South African Jewish community. Its impact was immediate and extraordinary—hundreds of women gathered to bake challah in the streets, thousands joined outdoor Shabbat dinners, and many experienced the beauty of a full Shabbos for the first time. By 2014, the project had become a global movement, powered by passionate volunteers who inspired their families, friends, and communities to take part.
Today, the Shabbat Project reaches millions of participants worldwide. From Swaziland (eSwatini), South Africa where the Jewish community of 18 families gathered for a communal Shabbos meal, to Conway, Arkansas, where a handful of Jews felt part of a global Jewish family for the first time—the initiative has connected people in ways that transcend borders. In just over a decade, the Shabbat Project has grown to include presentations in 10 languages, spanning over 100 countries, 1,500 cities, and over one million participants. The impact of this grassroots movement is immeasurable.
This year’s Shabbat Project took place on Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Vayeira (November 15-16). Jews from all walks of life—young and old, observant and less so—came together to experience the power of Shabbos as a unifying force. Shabbat is more than a day of rest; it is a declaration of Jewish identity, pride, and shared values. It offers a chance to transcend differences, unite as a people, and build a vibrant Jewish future.
In a time of increasing challenges, the Shabbat Project’s message of unity felt especially meaningful. Following the tragic attacks of October 7, Jews in Eretz Yisrael found strength and solace in the Shabbat Project, using it as an opportunity to come together with resilience and faith. As the initiative entered its second decade, it continued to inspire and unite Jewish communities across the globe. Families were transformed as they disconnected from distractions and reconnected to what truly matters, experiencing 25 hours of awe-inspiring peace and harmony.
Chazaq’s Mega Challah Bake played a significant role in this year’s Shabbat Project, providing hundreds of participants with a deeply enriching experience. The event began with heartfelt inspiration from Mrs. Jackie Bitton, followed by a masterful challah-baking demonstration by Mrs. Dalia Cohen. Women in attendance not only learned practical techniques but also gained meaningful insights into the deeper significance of Shabbat and challah.
The program was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including JInspire Queens, QJCC, KGH Doc, YIKGH Women’s League, RK Hosiery, Petit Perfection, Café Muscat & Catering, eMenu International, and public funds from the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, in partnership with NYC Council Member James F. Gennaro.
“It was a truly uplifting experience filled with warmth, community, and tradition,” said Council Member Gennaro to the packed crowd of women. “I am honored to have helped fund this event. I’d like to thank Chazaq for hosting the challah bake and for the opportunity to connect with my neighbors through this beautiful mitzvah.”
Participants left the event inspired, equipped with new opportunities to share Shabbos with others. Shabbat is the ultimate expression of Jewish identity and unity—a weekly gift that has kept our people strong for thousands of years. Together, we stand united, proclaiming to the world: Am Yisrael Chai!
We have Shabbos. Let’s keep it.
Massive Success At Chazaq’s Mega Challah Bake
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