The Miracles of Challah: A Journey to Motherhood

"Four years into my marriage, I had not yet been blessed with a child. I tried every segulah I could think of, and of course, I prayed fervently.

One day, while shopping out of town, I met my friend Fraidy from seminary days. She was pushing a cart with three children bouncing around it, while I had only a supermarket cart...

'Smart move!' she smiled at me, 'Not bringing the kids! They're so impatient... Where did you leave yours?'

'I didn't leave them; I don't have children,' I replied nonchalantly, pretending to organize ketchup bottles on the shelf, avoiding Fraidy's gaze.

Since I wasn't looking at her, I don't know how many shades her face changed as she responded: 'We didn't meet here for no reason, out of town. Personally,' she sighed deeply, 'I had my first child after two years of waiting. Not a terribly long time, but we both know how hard the wait is. A year into my marriage, a neighbor suggested I join a challah baking evening. 'You won't believe the miracles that come from separating challah,' she told me, 'You should try it.'

Nine months after that evening, when I first separated challah in my life, my firstborn son was born.' Fraidy pointed to the five-year-old at her side. 'I call him a child of prayers...'

I asked Fraidy to tell me more about the mitzvah of separating challah. It turned out she'd done her research and could speak extensively about the merits and power of this mitzvah.

When I left the store, among the items I bought were three kilograms of flour, dry yeast, oil, and eggs.

That evening, I studied the halachot carefully, and later, I made dough and separated challah. I cannot recall a more elevating experience, and I have not had another prayer like that one.

Very soon, with help from Heaven, I was blessed with a child.

But the story doesn't end there.

Years later, I was expecting again, and the doctor said there was a risk and a medical issue with the baby. I decided not to surrender to the doctors' predictions and not to despair.

Throughout the pregnancy, I continued separating challah, strengthening my belief that only Hashem decides.

Thank G-d, we had a healthy and whole child!

You thought I stopped separating challah after the second birth? Not at all. It's been twelve years now, and every week I'm in my kitchen, small in size but large in merits, separating challah with great excitement.

Simi Cohen".

The full story can be found in the book "The Ways of Challah", by Rebbetzin Esther Tolentino.

For ordering challah and home gathering events: Phone 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il