Hungry? How about Challah?
by Emily Anderson '13Features Writer
November 06, 2009
Every Monday in Beinecke, Hamilton students have the opportunity to purchase a rare treat—challah bread. The sale usually begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues until the bread is sold out (usually not much later). The traditional braided loaf comes in several varieties including cinnamon sugar, raisin, and chocolate chip. Rumor has it that next week pumpkin challah will also be available. When asked, "Why challah?" Alison Brown '11, co-president of Hamilton's Challah for Hunger chapter, answered, "Challah is relatively easy to make and it's delicious! Who doesn't like challah? You can make awesome french toast [with it]."
The original Challah for Hunger was started by students at the Claremont Colleges in 2004 as a fun way for students to volunteer their time. The idea for his organization came late last year, when Anat Guez (the Jewish chaplain) sent out an email asking students if they wanted to go to a conference to learn about starting a Challah for Hunger organization. Alison Brown '11 and Jeff Rabinowitz '12 both went to California with students from other schools to learn about starting up Challah for Hunger chapters.
Brown and Rabinowitz began organizing Hamilton's chapter last semester, working with Amy James (director of COOP), Pat Raynard (the head of Bon Apetit) and Anat Guez.
Challah for Hunger's debut this semester has been overwhelmingly successful. After only two Mondays of sales. The group has raised $260 and sold all of the bread.
The money raised goes to two different funds. Fifty percent is donated to the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) for its Sudan Relief and Advocacy Fund. Every Challah for Hunger chapter donates at least half of its proceeds to the AJWS. At the Hamilton chapter, the other half is donated to the Utica Community Food Bank, keeping with the theme of hunger relief. If you are strapped for cash, remember that students may receive a one-dollar discount if they write a letter to a Senator or Congressman about an issue of their choice. The organization has paper and stamps at the ready for this purpose.
Hamilton is one of 25 schools in the U.S. with a Challah for Hunger chapter, and there is even one in Sydney, Australia. The bread is made on Sunday afternoons (fresh for Monday morning sales). Students volunteer their Sunday hours to either making the dough or braiding it into its classic shape. If you are interested in volunteering to make or sell the bread email challah@hamilton.edu or contact Alison Brown or Jeff Rabinowitz.