Tall tapered silver vases lined the tables and popped with bright pink orchids. Guests mingled while they sampled the delicious assortment of mazza, cocktails and mouth-watering desserts. Although they knew they were somewhere between Kings Highway and Quentin Road, the atmosphere made the guests feel like they were in a very fancy setting.
Barkai Yeshivah’s 11th Annual Bake Sale and Chinese Auction was recently hosted by Geri and Richie Chalme and held over the course of two days.
Guests laughed at a standing room-only comedy skit, “Father Meets Daughter, No Nonsense Meets Comedy,” starring Ricky Cohen and his daughter Gail.
Minutes after the performance, the same room was transformed into an art gallery, with wall-to-wall displays of our community’s finest artistic talent, much of which was auctioned off. Photographs, paintings, and calligraphy were donated by artists including Irene Mamiye, Joy Mahana, Rena Dweck, Lenore Mizrachi, Nicole Cohen, Pamela Franco, Morris Gindi, Murray Hidary, Shirley Serure, Lauren Dweck, Barbara Azizo (Barkai’s Art Director), and Elizabeth Rappa (Barkai’s art teacher).
The PTA converted the Chalmes’ sitting room into a full bakery. Silver bake racks lined with bubble gum pink trays overflowed with enticing edibles. Cake pops, chocolate covered pretzels, and the aroma of freshly baked challah enticed guests to sample and buy the delicious treats. Row upon row of muffins, mini cheesecakes, apple cakes and colorful cupcakes filled the trays. Guests could pick what they wanted and, with the help of Barkai bakery volunteers, have their treats wrapped to go.
The second day of the event began with a music class for toddlers taught by Linda Sasson. Over 25 excited mothers and children contributed to its success by showing off their musical skills.
Rabbi Joseph Dweck gave a ladies’ class on the Power of Motherhood in the Torah. Using Rivkah, our matriarch, as an example, Rabbi Dweck explained that a mother’s parental scope is more encompassing than that of a father. A mother is able to see her child’s future potential, as opposed to just seeing where the child is, at that moment. The class was inspirational and the lesson was thought-provoking.
Lunches were donated by some of Brooklyn’s best local businesses. Salads, sushi, wraps and pasta were enjoyed by all.
A book club discussion was held on Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. Esther Hidary moderated the discussion with an in-depth talk about what a mother expects from her child. Participants dissected the behavior of the author and the positives and negatives of her parenting style. Therapists Miriam Barry, Rachel Hasson, and Linda Benun were on hand to field questions on the topic.
The Chinese Auction had something for everyone. The selection included fine jewelry, an iPod Touch, sterling silver, a laptop, Xbox Connect with games, and an AllSport package among others.
Rachel Novick, PTA President, and Rachel Dweck, PTA President Elect, worked with Claire Shamah, Joyce Haddad, Geri Chalme, Simcha Matalon, Susie Sorscher, Lauren Mishaan, Regine Ashkenazie and Deborah Shiloach to put together this wonderful event.
Joyce Haddad said, “We reinvented the traditional bake sale by providing activities that were relevant, social and entertaining.”
The Barkai bakery and auction proved to be a great success. Thanks go to the bakers, volunteers, and all the sponsors. The Barkai PTA will continue to create events and raise funds to better their school.
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Nazira Chabbott is a community writer. Both her children attend Barkai Yeshivah.
