More than 50 Rice University students gathered Nov. 20 for the Mega Challah Bake hosted by Chabad at Rice.
Held in the Ley Student Center, the event celebrated tradition, unity and cultural connection through the art of challah baking. Participants eagerly kneaded and braided dough, channeling their creativity and intentions into each loaf.
Rabbi Shmuli Slonim, who heads Chabad at Rice with his wife, Nechama, said the gathering fostered new connections among Rice’s Jewish community while reinforcing shared values and cultural bonds. Gatherings such as this one are part of Chabad at Rice’s mission to strengthen Jewish identity and unity on campus, he said.
“Through events like the Challah Bake, students find a sense of belonging and purpose,” Nechama Slohim added. “These initiatives highlight Jewish traditions, such as baking challah, a mitzvah rooted in heritage and practiced for generations.”
Rice’s Jewish community will come together again Dec. 8 for a pre-Hanukkah celebration in Ray Courtyard next to the Rice Memorial Center. For more information on Chabad at Rice, visit https://www.jewishriceu.com.