Miracles of Challah: One Woman's Inspiring Story

There's a palpable excitement in Rabbanit Hagit Shira Suissa's voice as she discusses the upcoming event on the yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu—Monday night at 9:00 PM. It's a unique program featuring a mass challah separation, with tens of thousands, possibly even hundreds of thousands, of women worldwide participating. The ceremony will be led by three rabbanit—Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, Rabbanit Chava Levi, and Rabbanit Hagit Shira. It's a special occasion because while 'Hidabroot' does offer the service of rabbis for private challah events year-round, it's usually just one rabbanit attending. This time, three will be present, each bringing her own light and uniqueness.

"We're very excited about the event," Rabbanit Hagit Shira tells us, "because it will truly be a massive gathering. We'll be broadcasting from a surprising location that viewers will discover only when the broadcast begins."

What can participants expect from the evening?

"First, we'll all light a candle in memory of Rachel Imeinu, which is incredibly significant, and we'll also recite 'Nishmat Kol Chai' together. Then, we'll make the dough together—every woman watching is invited to make the dough with us at home and listen to the explanations about each ingredient and its meaning. After that, we'll perform the mitzvah and separate the challah along with the rabbanit present, accompanied by rabbis providing words of encouragement and known singers.

"During the show, viewers will also meet women who have attended our challah separations in their homes over the past few years, each experiencing great personal miracles. Each woman will share her own special miracle story. These are incredibly moving stories, miraculous beyond the laws of nature. Women have given birth to twins, gotten married, found livelihoods and partners—truly amazing things. They'll also share various commitments they made during those challah separation events. It's going to be very emotional."

Miracles and Blessings

This is the fourth consecutive year of the global challah separation on Rachel Imeinu's yahrzeit. "We chose this day for a reason," explains Rabbanit Hagit Shira, "because it's known that 'Rachel weeps for her children' and prayers on this day can accomplish so much.

"I remember the first challah event four years ago," recalls Rabbanit, "when Rabbanit Yemima said something that stays with me: 'When we come to Rachel Imeinu and stand there together, we're all seeking our mother. And Rachel? Rachel is truly the mother of us all. And if she is our mother, then despite all our differences, we are sisters.'"

(Photo: shutterstock)

She also has another touching memory of that event. "I remember after we finished the global challah separation, several women reached out to thank us and express their amazement. Among them was a woman who reported she was pregnant, and doctors claimed her fetus had a serious defect, suggesting termination was unavoidable. After watching the broadcast, she begged for one of our rabbanit to come to her home and perform a challah ceremony there, recognizing its immense importance.

"We made a big effort, and on the same day, a rabbanit visited her, welcomed by a large group of women. The woman shared her story, deeply moving everyone. There were many tears and prayers. A few days later, she contacted us, filled with emotion, to share that on the very day of the challah ceremony, the hospital called her in for lengthy tests over two days. In the end, it turned out the baby was healthy, as if nothing had been wrong. It was truly a miracle beyond nature, and hers wasn't the only story; so many women tell us after these broadcasts that they've witnessed miracles and blessings.

"During this time, women shared that they sat in their living rooms, made challah with us, and cried with excitement. These moments of mass challah separation are electrifying; you can feel the energy in the air. It truly feels as if all of Israel is with us, and it's no surprise. 'Dough' (בצק) also spells 'gather' (קבץ), making this the perfect time to unite all of Israel.

"People ask what constitutes an 'auspicious time,'" Rabbanit concludes, "and the answer is: 'When the community prays together.' When so many women are praying, it's undoubtedly a massive auspicious time. Consider this—Rachel encounters so many tears from Jewish women across the country and world during the night, and I truly believe that those who watch the broadcast and join our challah separation will witness miracles beyond nature."

For more information on hosting home gatherings and challah separations: Tel: 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il