GOA Challah Bake

Friendship Circle’s own Esty Grossbaum, Junior Division program director, led a challah bake for ninth graders at the Golda Och High School on October 27. 

“We knew Esty would be able to infuse a love of Israel in this event and make It meaningful for the students,” said Erin Sternthal, GOA marketing and communications associate, and parent of a GOA ninth grader, who organized the activity with fellow ninth grade parents Danielle Sharret and Suzy Berman.

GOA ninth graders usually visit Israel in November on an annual program known as Na’ale. In addition to helping students develop a connection to the land of Israel, Na’ale is also a bonding experience for the students. This year, because of the war, the trip had to be postponed. 

“I thought it would be nice for the grade to have an activity that would bring them together and connect Israel at the same time,” said Sternthal.

Despite being held after school, most of the students attended. Grossbaum provided explanations for the mitzvah of making challah and some of the ingredients. Upper school math teacher Janette Antiles, whose son is currently serving in the IDF, read Tehillim (Psalms) for the soldiers in Israel.

Each student prepared two challot; Grossbaum encouraged them to give one to an Israeli family or a Jewish neighbor for Shabbat. 

“I hope that our children, some of whom had never made challah before, came away feeling like they had in some small way done something to support Israel at this very difficult time,” said Sternthal. “We are all extremely grateful to Esty for leading such a beautiful and meaningful challah bake for our children!”