Lea Kaner leads an active life.
The retired Bi-Cultural Day School teacher returned to her Stamford home a few days ago, after a summer in Israel.
Last night, she got on the Merritt Parkway. She headed to Westport, to celebrate Shabbat with her children — former 2nd Selectman Avi Kaner and Celia Offir — and their families.
But her active life ground to a halt. A multi-car accident closed all northbound lanes for almost 2 hours.
On the front seat was Lea’s freshly baked, homemade challah. (As I said, she is very active.)
Lea Kaner (2nd from left) and her 3 children.
After an hour not moving at all, she got out of her car. Soon, she offered her challah to fellow stranded drivers.
They were a diverse group. Only one woman knew what challah is — and she wasn’t Jewish.
So Lea went into teacher mode. She educated them.
A young man in his 20s who runs a gas station was worried about waking up early this morning. He particularly enjoyed the soothing challah.
Everyone else did too. All said it was delicious.
Eventually Lea made it to Westport. They had a late — but treasured — Sabbath meal.
There was no challah. But the chocolate cake Lea baked — and which remained in her car during the long traffic jam — was wonderful.
Lea Kaner’s chocolate cake.