NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Breads Bakery, the artisanal bakery with locations across Manhattan known for its drool-inducing babkas, pastries and sandwiches, is now selling heart-shaped challahs, the proceeds of which will benefit Israel's Magen David Adom, which is akin to the Red Cross.
Israeli chef Ben Siman Tov told 1010 WINS that a couple of days following Hamas' March 7 terror attack in southern Israel, "I woke up from the shock and decided to actively do my best to support and help the people in need in Israel in these difficult times."
So what did the chef do? "The first phone call I made was Breads Bakery, my dear friend Gadi [Peleg], the owner, and he immedicately suggested this and jumped into this opportunity with me to execute this idea pretty quickly and bring together a special challah that all the proceeds are going to be donated to," Siman Tov said.
A challah is a usually braided bread -- which is why the initiative is called "Strand With Us" -- typically eaten on the Jewish sabbath and holidays. In an Instagram video, Siman Tov said "challah is a symbol of unity, the strands braided together, as we stand together during this extraordinary time."
Magen David Adom is Israel's national emergency pre-hospital medical and blood services organization.
Siman Tov said the challah is an attempt of "moving from the the darkness and being focused on bringing out the light, and in these difficult times, getting together all the community: the Jewish community and Israeli community, and in general, people who support us here in New York City."
Last Friday, SIman Tov said the challahs were sold out by 7 a.m.
"We decided to show our solidarity through a peaceful activity," said Siman Tov, whose brother attended the Supernova music festival and was injured. "Something personal."
He added, "I coudn't think of any other shape for the challah in this difficult time, and I wanted to do something special. And as Gal, said we're facing the darkest time and the way we can solve those things or at least help to support it is with joy and heartand love."
Said Siman Tov, "I really pray for better days."
Each challah is $36 and may be purchased in-store or online for delivery.
Follow Siman Tov on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bengingi.