Our first 8th grade girls' mishmar of the year was a smashing success. At the request of the girls, we had a combination learning/hands-on mishmar focused on the mitzva of הפרשת חלה, separating part of the dough when making bread.
Our learning session, led by Rabbi Ross, focused on two aspects of the mitzva. First we discussed the general idea of the mitzva of separating challah, and why it seems to be a mitzva that is connected specifically to Eretz Yisrael. We also reviewed some of the basic laws of how and when we separate challah. From there, we shifted into discussing the perplexing issue of why this mitzva is often considered to be a mitzva that is done primarily by women. We discovered some very interesting ideas that globalized this simple mitzva into being about much larger ideas.
From there, we moved on to our practical portion. Rabbi Ross and some of the girls had already prepared several batches of challah dough during lunch (so it would have time to rise during the afternoon), and several girls thus had an opportunity to demonstrate the actual separation of the challah. Everyone then had a chance to shape their own challah to bring home for baking.
Our evening concluded with a delicious Chinese dinner and many discussions and plans for future mishmars and other learning opportunities.
