Schlissel Challah Bake Events in Manchester and Leeds Raise Funds for ‘Chai in Schools Programme’

On Thursday 24th April, Chai held Schlissel Challah Bake events at two locations: the Chai Centre in Heathlands Village, Manchester and Brodetsky School in Leeds.

In Manchester, the event was led by Rebbetzin Miriam Gefen, who blessed the dough and explained the custom of the “schlissel challah” – key-shaped loaves baked for the first Shabbat after Passover as a symbol for livelihood. It is said that the “gates” to livelihood are immediately opened after Pesach.

In Leeds, Sofie Hirschstein and Jenny Sherman guided the event, which was generously sponsored by Phil Goldberg of Em-b Solutions. Amanda Newdall, Chai’s North West Head of Clinical Services, spoke about Chai’s crucial work supporting individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis.

Both events featured lively, hands-on dough preparation, with attendees taking home their beautiful key shaped challahs to bake for Shabbat.

Following the events, Gerry Singer said: “A heartfelt thank you goes to all who participated, donated, and helped make these evenings such fun and a great success. All proceeds from both events will go towards the ‘Chai in Schools Programme’ in the North.”