The “Shabbat Challah” project is one of the most eagerly awaited initiatives of our center. And that’s no surprise, since through this project participants regularly receive fresh and delicious challahs for their Shabbat table. The master baker and volunteer, Larisa Shapovalova, bakes challahs every Thursday for the community’s elderly members. Then, the initiative passes on to young volunteers who deliver the challahs to the homes of their beneficiaries, along with printed copies of the weekly Torah portion and the time for lighting the Shabbat candles.

Those who visit Hesed in person can enjoy the taste of challah around a large table with other community members. They also receive challahs to take home. It has become a cherished tradition to send challahs to the cities of Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, the village of Shcherbakty, and Ekibastuz. Thanks to the volunteers, love and care fill every home, and along with fresh challahs, joy and reassurance of support arrive as well.

Each week Larisa bakes up to 30 challahs and also participates in other large-scale events and volunteer activities. To preserve the art of traditional baking, Larisa conducts culinary masterclasses for kids from the AJT and AJT Junior programs. We thank our wonderful volunteer for helping keep traditions alive and passing them on to the younger generation!