A Night of Challah Baking in the Shadow of Rockets

"I was invited to Ashkelon this week to host a challah baking event," Smadar Morag begins her interview, "and because we didn't want to keep running in and out due to the sirens, we held it in a shelter. Just as I left my house, there was already a siren. I quickly entered a protected area. Once that passed, despite the panic, I knew I wasn’t going to cancel and I set off. During the journey to Ashkelon, there were about 5-6 sirens. I told my husband that personally it's not easy for me to leave the house. It's unpleasant being caught on the road and having to lie down as rockets are intercepted above, but there's no way I would give up."

"When I arrived in Ashdod and stayed with them in the shelter, I heard the booms of interceptions and falls. What amazed me was that women arrived even with their babies. Typically, I prefer not having infants since it disrupts focus, but they had no choice this time and still came. It was simply moving to see it: women with strollers, amidst the ear-piercing sirens shaking our hearts, and even without sirens, there's an ever-present background of unease from Gaza. Heart-wrenching was also seeing them return home with their children, with nothing but the night awaiting them. I couldn’t sleep the whole night afterward."

Did the outside situation affect the atmosphere inside, during the evening?<\/strong>

"On the contrary, the event was filled with incredible prayers. There were righteous women praying wholeheartedly, asking Hashem for miracles. It was amazing to see forty women leave their homes to attend a challah event, genuinely moving.

"After the event, as I was leaving and women came to talk, I stood on the sidewalk noticing rockets being intercepted above my head. Out of fear, I simply apologized and asked them to call me instead of chatting on an unsafe street. Imagining this as their reality, living with it day and night, is unthinkable. I'm from Ashdod, where we also face frequent sirens, but it’s nothing compared to Ashkelon and the border regions near Gaza—there's an alert every ten minutes! I can't fathom it! Personally, I'm still exhausted from it all, the noise of Gaza lingers in my mind. But despite everything, I continue to host nights for women to strengthen and support one another. Tonight, for example, I'm in Yavne, which is akin to Ashdod in terms of security."

What keeps you going to these dangerous areas?<\/strong>

"I feel somehow the soldiers fight the physical battle on the ground, but we fight and influence in our own way. Our women's battle is internal, to leave our homes despite fear to study Torah and strengthen ourselves. Because beyond the privilege of learning Torah and praying to merit divine protection, how else can we support those on the frontlines for us? Only through prayers. The power of us embracing and praying together is also part of the battle.

"I pray that through the women’s prayers, with Hashem's help, we will soon see redemption. That evening many women whose husbands are in the army came, and we blessed each one of the soldiers. Every woman who knew a soldier added his name to the challah blessing. Beyond that, I believe this also provides strength. Personally, I only have young children, but I can't imagine a mother with a son in the army. I think it gives strength to mothers to know they’re actively doing something for them. That everyone is praying, saying *Nishmat kol chai*, and asking—is immensely powerful."

Have you noticed any spiritual changes in the women you meet, since the conflict began?<\/strong>

"I think, and I've heard from others, that in these times many people are turning closer to Hashem and even changing their language. Even that evening in Ashkelon, women committed themselves to blessing on food or saying morning blessings. People are aware there is none other but Hashem to turn to, as no other way will bring salvation.

"Just today, I passed by a place preparing care packages for soldiers, and I said there’s no one like the Jewish people, organizing to bring packages to soldiers and help residents. On my way, on the old Tel Aviv-Haifa road, I saw many flags with messages: 'We stand with the soldiers', 'The nation prays for the soldiers', and ‘Hashem will protect you.’ Where else can you find people like this? It’s incredibly moving."

Want to invite Smadar Morag for an inspiring women's evening at your home for free? Call now at 073-2221290 / 052-9551580.

Department of Home Gatherings and Challah Baking – to book a house event and challah baking: Tel: 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il