From Broadway to Challah Baking: The Journey of Rebbetzin Smadar Morag

Smadar grew up in Hatem, a quaint little town about an hour and a half from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Born to an Israeli father and a mother who survived the Holocaust and immigrated there after the war, Rebbetzin Smadar Morag, 44, is a wife and mother of two who came to us from the pinnacle of Dutch society. Her childhood was spent among non-Jews, and she was educated in a Christian school where she and her siblings were the only Jewish students. Raised in a traditional family with deep roots and a commitment to heritage, she was always aware of her Jewish identity. As a child, she celebrated both Dutch and Jewish holidays, as was common. At 19, her parents began observing more religious practices, including Shabbat. 'Today, everything revolves around faith, and Judaism is central at home,' she says.

As she matured, Smadar enrolled in a psychology program at university, but eventually left to pursue acting school in Amsterdam. After her studies, she became a full-fledged television actress in the Netherlands, starring in various series. She also worked with the Dutch producer of "The Voice," which became an international sensation. By 32, after a flourishing career, she felt a strong desire to become a mother. Resolutely, she decided to reconnect with her Jewish roots and seek out a Jewish husband. Shortly thereafter, she met him, an Israeli working with 'El Al', employed by foreign airlines in the Netherlands, and they married.

What led you back to your Jewish roots?

'Thank Hashem, I've been on this spiritual journey for eight years, and it all truly began with my husband, who decided to embrace religiosity shortly after we were married. Initially, it was very challenging, and I didn’t know how to handle his decisions. I was quite resistant to his new ideas, which seemed too revolutionary to me at the time. But as someone open-minded and contemplative, I eventually softened. A significant turning point for me was a lecture I stumbled upon by Rabbi Yitzchak Fanger online. I was deeply moved by his style, and it influenced me to such an extent that I thought if someone like him returned to faith, there might be something in Judaism that could suit me too.'
 

From Broadway Musicals to Challah Baking Events

Three and a half years ago, Smadar moved to Israel with her family and parents. Since then, she has been performing on various stages in Israel, weaving her personal story with acting and singing techniques. It was during one of these performances that she caught the attention of a Hidabroot organization member in the audience, who was captivated by her unique presentation and story, recommending her to the organization. Today, Smadar is involved in hosting Challah separation events as part of her collaboration with Hidabroot.

What makes the Challah baking events you host unique?

'The Challah baking event is inherently powerful, with profound significance in every step - from sifting the flour to kneading and raising the dough. It's crucial for me to understand the purpose of the event, as this allows me to tailor the content to the theme and explain the spiritual aspect tied to the personal process each participant should undergo. For example, in events focused on finding a match, while sifting flour, I highlight the importance of sifting through negative thoughts single women might have: 'All the wonderful ones are married, I'll never wed, I'm always rejected,' and so forth. Every rebbetzin brings her unique touch to a Challah baking event and since I am a comedian and singer by profession, this is certainly something I bring with me. My Challah events feature familiar songs and moving pieces from my album "Tefillah". When working with a secular audience, I might sing songs from a Broadway musical I participated in. This happens to me often during performances when women find out I played 'Doris' in the popular series "Fame"; they feel a certain openness with me. Many even approach me at the end to say that thanks to this, they not only were more engaged but were even inspired to explore Judaism and religion further, thank Hashem. I definitely feel this is my mission in the world, and from there, everything just flows naturally.'

Blessed by Rabbi Zamir Cohen, the Coma Miracle

Rebbetzin Morag encounters many miraculous stories in her activities and shares one that occurred three months ago at a Hidabroot conference in Los Angeles. 'I hosted a Challah baking event highlighting my personal story, and thank Hashem, it was very moving. At the end, a secular-looking woman stood up to express gratitude to Hidabroot for their role in her miracle. She shared her story: Seven years ago, she set up a standing order with Hidabroot on behalf of her brother’s wife, hoping for a successful pregnancy after years of struggle. Three months later, her sister-in-law became pregnant and gave birth to twins. But that was not what she wanted to share. Regrettably, her brother had been bitten by a deadly mosquito and had been in a coma for four months. In that emotional moment, she decided to start another standing order, this time for her brother's healing. Her story deeply touched the Hidabroot rabbis, and her brother received a visit and blessing from Rabbi Zamir Cohen. Even after returning to Israel, she remained on my mind. I later reached out to inquire about her brother’s well-being, and she informed me: 'Thank Hashem, we witnessed miracles again. My brother, Raphael Noam Meir ben Chana, awoke from the coma, and his condition improved markedly.' She agreed to publish her story to inspire many.'

According to Rebbetzin Smadar, even though Challah baking events don't cost money, they require the participation of at least 35 women. Usually, participants leave feeling significantly uplifted both mentally and spiritually, and she always receives heartwarming feedback afterward.

What makes the connection between women and the mitzvah of Challah so special?

'The presence of women together creates a unique dynamic - powerful, gentle, and loving, especially when coming together for a mitzvah. If men were to join, the atmosphere would shift entirely. Such a Challah baking event not only enhances the mutual care among women but also empowers and connects each woman to herself, giving her strength to face the diverse roles she is meant to fulfill.'

Contact for Home Events and Challah Baking - For bookings: Tel. 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il