From Challah Baking to a Journey of Faith: Orly's Inspiring Story

"Let me tell you about the greatest challenge I've faced, a challenge that empowered and strengthened me," says Orly Sahar when I call to interview her. Her story is so compelling that I decided to let her words speak for themselves.

"My story began 15 years ago when I started my journey of return to faith. I met Rebbetzin Shoshana Malul at a challah baking event she organized. She explained its significance, sparking an awakening within me. At one point, she distributed washing cups, and I was the first to take one. At that time, I didn’t even know you should wash your hands in the morning!

"I had three sons and wasn't thinking about another pregnancy. But after participating in the challah baking events frequently, a desire for another child emerged.

"It wasn’t easy for me to conceive. I was 38 and a half, but ultimately, with Hashem's help, I got pregnant. Then the chaos began. Early in the pregnancy, they told me I had a single umbilical artery instead of the usual vein and two arteries. The nuchal translucency test suggested abnormalities. I decided to make some commitments for my baby's health. I was not yet dressing modestly or keeping Shabbat strictly, but I accepted upon myself to wear skirts and refrain from traveling or watching TV on Shabbat. I sought guidance from Rabbi David Batzri, who reassured me that just as Hashem created our organs in pairs—two eyes, two ears, and such, so too He would overcome this challenge with the umbilical artery. I left our meeting feeling stronger.

"I proceeded with the routine scans. At Hadassah Ein Kerem, Dr. Nagari informed me that everything appeared normal.

"In the sixth month, I started feeling unwell. At a routine checkup, an ultrasound and monitor showed that my baby's brain ventricles were not normal; the right ventricle was fine, but the left was too large. The doctor said we'd need to consider termination.

(Photo Illustration: shutterstock)

"I immediately contacted Dr. Nagari. He asked me to fax the test results and said he would call after reviewing them in the morning. That night I prayed and read through the entire Book of Psalms. At seven the next morning, Dr. Nagari called and asked me to come to the hospital. I reassured my husband on the way that Dr. Nagari would find everything to be alright...

"Upon arrival, Dr. Nagari confirmed the findings. With the umbilical artery and problematic brain ventricles combined, he explained there was clear evidence of significant anomalies with no chance of a healthy baby. He recommended various tests. I agreed to an MRI and a consultation with Dr. Berger, but refused an amniocentesis.

"The next morning, Dr. Nagari called again. The MRI showed that the ventricles were more abnormal than the ultrasound had shown. But it didn’t matter to me—I was firm in my belief that the baby would be healthy. Even Dr. Nagari, who is observant, asked where I drew my strength from. During this time, I forged a deep connection with Hashem, convinced everything would be fine.

"Despite being requested to appear before a termination committee, I declined. At Hadassah, where I was scheduled to give birth, I signed multiple forms acknowledging the risks and that I wouldn’t sue the hospital.

"I shared none of this with anyone close to me during the pregnancy. I didn’t want pressure; I wanted solitude with Hashem. While my husband was very anxious, I comforted him. We even consulted Dr. Berger, who advised that the likelihood of our baby having mild attention deficits was slim, with a significant chance of severe impairment.

"Finally, in the ninth month, with Rabbi Batzri’s blessing and encouragement from Rebbetzin Malul, I made a vow to publicly recite Psalms in gratitude if all went well. A week before my scheduled c-section, I went to the mikvah and did a challah separation blessing at home with a friend. That night, contractions began. Before heading to the hospital, I received another blessing from Rabbi Batzri and proceeded to Hadassah for immediate surgery.

"The baby was born silently as the umbilical cord was around his neck. Once freed, he began to cry. Looking at him, I saw a perfect child, and I was filled with gratitude and joy.

* * *

"My baby had an enlarged brain ventricle, but he needed to learn Torah, Mishnah, and Kabbalah. He's a wonderful child. Rabbi Batzri was honored to be his sandak, and I named him David Raziel. After the birth, I sought guidance from Hashem on naming him, initially thinking of Moses, but David from the lineage of Kings seemed fitting.

(Photo Illustration: shutterstock)

"Post-birth tests showed he did have one enlarged ventricle, but there was no need for further check-ups as he developed normally. Instead of contemplating medical interventions, I focused on spiritual commitments, such as covering my hair, despite the challenges. It was worth everything.

"David Raziel is brilliant, though he has attention challenges and mild hyperactivity, and is the first of my children to study in a Talmud Torah.

"Rabbi Batzri mentioned that through my strengthening faith I annulled severe judgments in Heaven. The closeness to Hashem is a continuous journey influenced by this trial. I cannot imagine experiencing such profound faith without this period in my life. Other experiences before didn’t compare to the strength this brought me."

And to think it all started with a small challah baking circle...

To arrange challah baking events with esteemed Rebbetzins at no cost, call 073-2221290.

* * *

Considering termination? Know someone at a crossroads?

Dear mom, we're here at Hidabroot's EMA department to help. Give your child a second chance, don't end their life.

Contact EMA for free support and guidance to prevent termination: Phone 073-2221333, Mobile 052-9551591. Email kalina@htv.co.il