About 1,000 women, who reflected the diversity of Montreal’s Jewish community, threw on aprons, rolled up their sleeves and got their hands (and pans) dirty at the fourth annual MTL Challah Bake, hosted by Federation CJA’s Women’s Philanthropy group.

The MTL Challah Bake was one of hundreds that took place simultaneously around the world, as part of a grassroots movement called the Shabbat Project.

Held at the Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport Hotel, the event brought together Jewish women of different backgrounds, levels of observance and baking skills, to enjoy an evening together.

“Feeling a sense of connection in the modern world is more important now than ever,” said Galit Suissa Antebi, chair of the 2018 Women’s Philanthropy campaign.

“This is an amazing opportunity to connect with our local community, as well as our global community, celebrating the beauty in our diversity.”

The Shabbat Project was initiated by South African Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein in 2013. From Lodz to Jerusalem, Paris to Johannesburg, Buenos Aires to Los Angeles, the Shabbat Project aims to unite Jewish communities from across the denominational and ideological spectrum by experiencing one full Shabbat together each year.

Over a million Jews in 98 countries were expected to take part in various events hosted by families, schools and synagogues on Oct. 26-27.