- March 12, 2025
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At 9 years old, Ella Ben-Ami is the youngest baker in the crowd. She also volunteered to help set up with her mom Celeste.
Photo by Lesley DwyerCountry Club East mother and daughter, Dolores Carl and Nancy Menard, like the ease of having the ingredients premeasured.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe Mega Challah Bake is a sold out event at The Grove Jan. 16.
Photo by Lesley DwyerParrish's Frida Schumacher pulls a penny out for the Tzedakah box. The mitzvah is meant to open up the channels of blessing by giving to those in need.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBradenton's Morgan Chambers, Danielle Zambito and Morgan Zambito are on Step 1 of making Challah: Mix yeast in warm water.
Photo by Lesley DwyerEsplanade residents Gale Berman and Nancy Silver attend the annual Mega Challah Bake for the first time.
Photo by Lesley DwyerChavi Rappaport sings a prayer for soldiers and hostages.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe ingredients are premeasured for each guest.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBradenton's Michelle Ercolino returns to the Mega Challah Bake for the second year in a row. The event has grown to nearly 350 women.
Photo by Lesley DwyerChanie Bukiet with the Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch emcees the Mega Challah Bake.
Photo by Lesley DwyerLakewood Ranch and Sarasota mothers, daughters and friends gather at The Grove Jan. 16 to make Challah together.
Photo by Lesley DwyerLinda Grieshaver is only in Lakewood Ranch for the Challah. She drove from Sun City Center just for the Mega Challah Bake at The Grove.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBefore the Mega Challah Bake at The Grove, Country Club East’s Nancy Menard hadn’t made Challah bread with her now 88-year-old mother Dolores Carl since she was a little girl.
“It’s so easy to buy it at Publix,” Menard said with a laugh. “But everything is measured out for you here. You don’t have to think about it.”
Thanks to the Jewish Women’s Circle of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, the mother and daughter are now making Challah together once a year.
Challah is a celebratory and sacred dish within the Jewish community. Nearly 350 women attended the event Jan. 16 to stir and knead the dough together in celebration of Shevat, a month on the Jewish calendar.
They also prayed, nibbled on desserts, played games, sang and danced together.
Young women have to be 9 years old to attend. This was the first year Lakewood Ranch’s Ella Ben-Ami was able to join her mother Celeste at the gathering. She also volunteered to set up for the event.
“She likes being part of the group,” Celeste Ben-Ami said. “She feels grown up.”
