The aroma of shawarma, warm pita and freshly prepared challah filled the air at Bethlehem Chabad, 393 Delaware Ave., Delmar in September as 115 women and girls gathered for an “Artisan Mega Challah Bake.”

The evening began outdoors beneath a tent transformed into an Israeli-style “shuk,” where participants were offered hummus, shawarma, grilled vegetables.

Table captains from left, Chanie Simon, co-director of Bethlehem Chabad, Laura Weisblatt, Galina Baskin, Aliza Scher, Susie Caplan, Lianne Pinchuk Wladis, Becca Wladis, Rachel Ainspan, Ilyse Weinstein and Bethlehem Chabad Jewish Women’s Circle Corporate Sponsor Jessica Richer of Hanna Commercial Realty.

There was laughter as the crowd became both audience and participants in a Jewish-themed version of “The Price Is Right.” Contestants tried their luck guessing the prices of a variety of Jewish products and objects, with Amy Cohen and Jennifer Balasz taking home the honors.

As the Jewish new year was approaching, participants were invited to mark the season by taking on a new mitzvah. Some chose to light Shabbat candles; others chose to give more tzedakah or make a point of visiting the sick. The commitments were personal and varied, but together they gave the evening an added sense of purpose and renewal.

A colorful selection of spices and add-ins gave each participant a chance to put her own personal touch on the challahs she would later prepare.

Then came the flour, the dough and the braiding. Each participant shaped two round challahs — the traditional form for the Jewish new year — and took them home to later bake.

Perhaps most memorable was the remarkable span of generations gathered around the tables. Participants ranged in age from 4 to 80 and beyond, with girls, mothers, grandmothers and friends kneading and braiding side by side. The challah preparation offered not only a chance to learn and practice an ancient Jewish tradition, but also to experience it together.

Information about Bethlehem Chabad programs and activities, may be obtained at www.bethlehemchabad.com or by calling Rabbi Zalman or Chanie Simon at 518-439-3310. Bethlehem Chabad is located at 393 Delaware Avenue in Delmar.