How a Simple Evening Changed My Life

The story of Camila Podgets begins with a single challah separation and continues with divine intervention, bringing a continuous stream of holiness.

"I immigrated to Israel from Brazil, as a Zionist," says Camila. "A few years ago, a friend of mine became ill. We live in Tel Aviv, and she decided to organize an evening of challah separation to pray for her recovery. This was the first time I was introduced to this mitzvah, challah separation. That evening was powerful and moving."

Shortly after that evening, Operation Protective Edge started. "It was a difficult time, and I felt that I had to do something. Although I couldn't take up arms and fight, I wanted to contribute to the war effort somehow. So, I did what a Jewish woman can do. I approached the local community center and asked them to give us the space for an evening. The owner cleared the cafeteria for us, and I organized a challah separation event. Forty women came, each with her bowl. We all performed the challah separation and prayed for the soldiers."

That special evening wasn't the end; it marked a wonderful beginning. "Since then, we've been holding challah separation events in the neighborhood from time to time, bringing female rabbis for various situations, both joyful and less so. For example, we once invited a rabbi for a special evening for three neighborhood women who wanted to conceive. That month, all three became pregnant."

The holiness and merits these events brought weren't just shared by the neighborhood women but also became a personal launchpad for Camila herself. "Thanks to these challah separation evenings, I took it upon myself to do challah separation at home every week. Since then, good things have followed. Beyond the blessings, this mitzvah makes me a better person, a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, and a better daughter, and most importantly, a better Jew. The home is imbued with holiness, and this mitzvah attracts other mitzvot like hospitality and generous deeds. That first evening changed my life."

For home gathering and challah separation inquiries: Tel 073-2221290, Email aviva@htv.co.il