Doughnate for Israel is a grassroots initiative started by a local group of Glencoe moms. We are driven by the belief that food has the power to unite, heal, and inspire action. When the tragic events of October 7 shook the Jewish community, we felt an urgent need to mobilize the community through something deeply meaningful — baking challah.
Partnering with Ben Levy, owner of That Little French Guy in Highland Park, Doughnate for Israel sells fresh challah dough kits to local families — giving families a way to celebrate Jewish tradition while supporting those in need. The initiative was built on four core values:
Raising crucial funds for Israel in a time of crisis
Bringing the community together through meaningful action
Celebrating Jewish identity and resilience
Passing down traditions to the next generation through challah baking
Since its launch, Doughnate for Israel raised over $45,000, with proceeds benefiting organizations like Bring Them Home and Friends of the IDF.
Join us in making a difference — one challah at a time.
Follow us on Instagram to see what weeks we will be popping-up; and check-out our the challah creations shared by our community since 2023.
Baking Instructions:
Take your challah out of the fridge and let it get to room temperature. Then, divide the dough into 3 equal parts.
Roll each part into a long strand (~12in each). Make sure the strands are the same size.
Lay the strands next to each other, pinch all the tops together, and braid. Pinch the bottom ends together to combine.
Place braided challah on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean dish towel and let it rise (proof) for 1.5-2 hours.
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
Whisk 1 egg in a bowl to make an egg wash. Brush the challah with the egg wash (you will not need the full egg).
Sprinkle with your favorite toppings or leave the challah plain.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool and enjoy!
Blessings
LIGHTING THE SHABBAT CANDLES
Light at least two candles and wave in the light three times to welcome Shabbat. Then cover your eyes and say:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Dear God, Creator of our world, thank You for giving us rules that make our lives special and for teaching us to light these Shabbat candles.
BLESSING THE WINE OR GRAPE JUICE
Raise a glass of wine or grape juice and say:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei p’ri hagafen.
Dear God, Creator of our world, thank You for the delicious fruit that grows on vines.
BLESSING THE CHALLAH
Raise the challah and say:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz.
Dear God, Creator of our world, thank You for bringing bread out of the earth.
A PRAYER FOR ISRAEL
Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel: Bless the State of Israel, with its promise of redemption. Shield it with Your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our Holy Land. Deliver them; crown their efforts with triumph. Bless the land with peace, and its inhabitants with lasting joy. And let us say: Amen.
A PRAYER FOR THE BIBAS FAMILY