A Direct Line to Heaven: The Power of the Challah Blessing

The mitzvah of separating challah is one of three special commandments given to women—lighting Shabbat candles, family purity, and challah separation. When the Temple stood, a portion of the challah was given to the priest, but now that the Temple is destroyed, we continue to separate the challah as a gesture of appreciation and thanks to Hashem for the wonderful gifts He gives us in life—livelihood, children, marriage, health, peace in the home, joy, and more. "The first of your dough," the Torah calls challah, meaning we must offer the first—the best portion of the dough—to Hashem.

According to Rebbetzin Shoshana Malul, 46, a bridal counselor and lecturer from Petah Tikva, anyone who wants to invite blessings into her home should insist on hosting challah blessing events. "The Torah states that merit is granted through the worthy," she says, "meaning whoever organizes challah blessing events in her home is granted a great merit. She essentially becomes one who brings merit to the many. Jewish women must know that this is a tremendous mitzvah with infinite power. The mitzvah of separating challah is a direct line to the Creator of the world; there's no waiting call or busy signal when it comes to Hashem. The prayers recited during challah separation and learning reach the Heavenly Throne and work where other things might not."

Rebbetzin Malul emphasizes that the mitzvah of separating challah is not just for religious women; indeed, every woman in the world desires a good livelihood, peace in the home, health, and more, making this a universally cross-cultural mitzvah.

"I've been in the field of challah blessing for 17 years," the rebbetzin mentions. "Hashem gave me the merit to spread this mitzvah even in the US, Uman, Vienna, and London. I got involved with the Hidabroot organization three years ago when the head of the Home Circle department approached me. I immediately agreed. I really love the organization's work and believe Rabbi Zamir Cohen has a unique way of bringing people closer and tremendous dedication to bringing merit to the many. There's no doubt Hidabroot is a great gift for our generation."

In addition to her blessed work with challah blessing events, Rebbetzin Shoshana Malul conducts workshops on positive thinking and guided imagery. She also leads a special women's newsletter, "Rabot Banot," which she initiated and where she writes along with her sister. "The newsletter comes out biweekly and covers all women's topics, including interesting recipes from my husband, a professional chef with his own show on 'Kol Barama' radio."

"Her Daughter Married Exactly Who She Wanted"

Women are a very special people with sky-high potential. It's not by chance that it's said that thanks to us, redemption will come— a woman has a very powerful prayer, and when tears accompany it, it breaks through all the walls and barriers that previously blocked the prayer from reaching the Heavenly Throne and achieving miracles.

"There are so many wonderful stories about women receiving the miracles they need, it's truly unbelievable. A recent case involved a woman diagnosed with a very dangerous disease. Her family organized a challah blessing event for her merit and healing. During the event, many women were moved and took upon themselves small spiritual commitments—one committed to strengthen in the 'Asher Yatzar' blessing known for healing, another decided to be mindful of her speech and avoid speaking lashon hara about others, and so on. The next day, the woman called me and said that no matter what the doctors' diagnosis was, the challah blessing gave her strength, and she felt healthy. The evening gave her the strength to believe, uplifted her spirits, and filled her with a sense that she could cope—undoubtedly a miracle in itself.

"Another story comes from a challah blessing and 'Supper of Blessings' event at the 'Nachalat David' yeshiva, attended by 300 women. The organizer had approached me saying she very much wanted her daughter to marry. She bought the ingredients for the Supper of Blessings, separated the challah, and 300 women answered Amen. Shortly after Sukkot, her daughter was engaged, and she is set to marry G-d willing the day after Shavuot on June 5th, 2014. And thank Hashem, her mother reported that despite not compromising, she received exactly what she wanted and prayed for."Home Circles and Challah Separation Dept.— For booking, contact: Tel 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il