New York, New York - It's A Challah of Town

Back in NYC - where I belong - and promise to share my adventures in London, but I'm a bit pressed for time at present.

However, considering my long absence, thought I ought to post sooner than later, and a lovely story in today's New York Times about "The Challah Lady" seemed the perfect opportunity:

The municipal drama that plays out each day in City Hall has a reliable cast of characters, their daily arrival as inevitable as budget deficits and comptroller reports.

There are the lawmakers on the east side of the building, the mayor on the west, and the lobbyists, advocates and reporters sprinkled throughout. They join with the rest of the powerful and the seeking and the perpetually aggrieved who descend on city government each day.

And then there is the challah lady.

Soft spoken and unassuming, she strides up the steps of City Hall each week with a few toasty loaves of the traditional Jewish bread tucked into a shopping bag. She breezes past the security desk and into the mayor's press office, where she is greeted warmly. She comes bearing a loaf for Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and at least one challah for the press office staff members. (On a lucky day, it will have chocolate chips.)

Among the scores of people who make their way into City Hall each week, the challah lady, Esty Scheiner, is among the more invisible. She has no petitions, no lawsuits, and no real agenda other than to build a vibrant Jewish life in Lower Manhattan. She considers merging government and challah part of that mission.

Hava nagila, challah nagila, challah nagila venis'mecha...Hey!