On October 22, in Moscow, dozens of famous Russian businessmen and cultural figures of Jewish origin competed in the preparation of main dishes of Jewish cuisine - mincemeat, hummus and challah. A VIP-cooking contest, organized by the Russian Jewish Congress, started off Russia's first 'World Shabbat'.
Chief Rabbi of Moscow Pinchas Goldschmidt spoke about the history of international project: "This idea was suggested by the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Warren Goldstein. It started two years ago. It was attended by 50 thousand people two years ago. Today, according to the latest news, a million people worldwide are participating in the program."
President of the Russian Jewish Congress Yuri Kanner explained: "In the Jewish tradition it is necessary to devote this day to God. What does it mean to devote to God? That means to break away from everyday worries, square your shoulders, breathe with a deep chest, look up at the sky. Dedicate this day to children, grandchildren, the study of what is important to you. That is why there is the Sabbath, and we hope that we will come to that action in each house which is open to dialogue."
Jewish musician and cook Andrei Makarevich shared a Jewish recipe of popular snack which, incidentally, originated in the USSR, with Vestnik Kavkaza: "You need to take good, not too salty, not stale herring in a barrel, an Antonov apple, a sweet red onion, a hard-boiled, not rotten chicken egg. Then fall in love with all those whom you will feed this dish with."
Representatives of the Women's League of the RJCs, which unites Russian businesswomen, led by financier Alina Gonikman, were preparing the main meal of the evening, challah, a Jewish braided bread which is traditionally cooked on Shabbat
"I am sure that there are no two identical chalahs, just as there are no two identical states of the same woman. Therefore, it is important, when she goes to the oven to cook challah for her family, she really needs to be in harmony with herself, really needs to think of herself and others very well and good, and then all will be well with the chalah. And it will be good," -Alina Gonikman said.
In addition to Moscow, 35 communities across the country, including the North Caucasus, baked challah and prepared mincemeat on this day.
