Yesterday, Shorashim’s Reaching for the Stars fellows met with Eli Winkelman, founder of Challah for Hunger.  Eli showed them how to make a quick and easy challah recipe and the whole group baked their own mini loaves to taste and take home.  But the project is about more than making delicious breads. 

Challah for Hunger raises awareness of and money for hunger and disaster relief, through the production and sale of challah bread. (From ChallahforHunger.org)

“Challah, like the mannah that the Israelites ate wandering through the desert, provides for people in the way they need to be provided for,” Eli explained.  “There are the causes we support, and the people who eat the challah, but also some people learn business skills, some build a sense of community, or learn to feel comfortable in the kitchen, or reconnect with Jewish ritual.  It’s a little different for everyone.” 

Eli’s innovative project is certainly proof that every one of us can be extraordinary. The idea that started with boredom in her dorm room has now blossomed into a 16-chapter enterprise that has raised over $75000 for hunger and disaster relief, primarily in Darfur, since its inception.

Anyone who is interested in starting a chapter of Challah for Hunger can do it! Just contact Eli at eli@hazon.org for more information.