When it comes to Jewish food, there probably is not anything quite as beloved as challah bread. It has become such a staple that it is common to find it on many centerpieces of the dinner table and holiday get-togethers. It has a long history and we are going to get to the bottom of it.
As one of Arizona’s most popular New York-Style delis, we offer an array of favorites from latkes and matzo ball soup to our Reubens. Read our blog post below to learn about the symbolism behind the delicious challah bread.
What Exactly is Challah Bread?
Challah is a loaf of braided bread that is made with eggs, flour, yeast, and salt. It is typically pale yellow due to the number of eggs used in its creation. Some challah recipes actually call for raisins, honey, and seeds, but it all depends on your preferences and what you are celebrating.
Challah Bread is Equally as Delicious as it is Symbolic
Challah refers to the mitzvah (a blessing or good deed) of separating a portion of the dough before you begin braiding as a contribution to the Kohen (priest). This commandment is called the hafrashat challah. Moreover, on some occasions a blessing is said over two loaves of bread, symbolizing the two portions of the manna that was distributed on Fridays to the children of Israel during their Exodus from Egypt.
The bread is covered on the table by a decorative challah cover or a white napkin, which represents the dew that is collected on the manna in the morning. Poppy and sesame seeds sprinkled on the bread also symbolize the manna that fell from heaven.
Challah bread is made in various sizes and shapes that have several meanings. For example:
- Braided ones, which may have three, four, or six strands, are the most common, and because they look like arms intertwined, symbolize love.
- Three braids symbolize truth, peace, and justice. Twelve humps from two small or one large braided bread recall the miracle of the 12 loaves for the 12 tribes of Israel.
- Round loaves, where there is no beginning and no end, are baked for Rosh Hashanah to symbolize continuity.
- Ladder and hand shapes are served at the meal before the fast of Yom Kippur, the ladder signifying that we should ascend to great heights, the hand that we may be inscribed for a good year.
- On Purim, small triangular loaves symbolize Haman’s ears; at Shavuot, two oblongs side by side represent the Tablets of the Law (the 10 commandments).
- The bulkah is a segmented rectangular challah. Sweet challahs with honey or raisins are baked during the festive season to bring joy and happiness.
Even the name “challah” is derived from the Hebrew word used for portion in the biblical commandment of the first of your dough, you shall give unto the Lord a portion for a gift throughout your generations.
Chompie’s is Serving New York Eats and Deli Favorites
Since 1979, Chompie’s has been the restaurant of choice for Arizonians looking for an authentic menu that serves items like latkes, matzo ball soup, knishes, and so much more. Additionally, we are known for our New York Style menu serving classic deli items like bagels, mile-high sandwiches, salads, and colossal Reubens. We are proud of our long history of service and look forward to creating experiences you will not forget. Visit one of our locations today and see why we have become one of Arizona’s favorite delis to date.
FAQs
Three braids symbolize truth, peace, and justice. Twelve humps from two small or one large braided bread recall the miracle of the 12 loaves for the 12 tribes of Israel. Round loaves, where there is no beginning and no end, are baked for Rosh Hashanah to symbolize continuity.
What does the challah bread symbolize? ›
In the most common shape of challah, the braided strands form 12 “humps,” which are said to represent the 12 ceremonial loaves (shewbread) kept in the Temple in Jerusalem for the 12 tribes of Israel.
What is the story of the challah bread? ›
The bond among Jews, God and bread goes back to the first five books of the Bible: As the Israelites are about to end their exile, God commands them to show gratitude by setting aside a portion, or “challah,” of all the bread they make after entering the Holy Land.
Why is challah so special? ›
Outside of the temple, all Israelites, during the process of baking bread, were required to set aside a loaf (challah) of bread “as a gift to the Eternal” (Num. 15: 20), which the prophet Ezekiel interpreted as being donations to the priests (Ezek. 44: 30).
What is the metaphor of challah? ›
Challah functions as a physical metaphor for manna from heaven at the sabbath meal. It is baked for sharing during shabbat; candles lit, wine poured, blessings made and prayers shared.
What does the bread symbolize? ›
Bread is also a gift from God: when Moses fed his people in the desert with food which fell from heaven, and during the last supper, when bread became the body of Christ. When Jesus multiplied the bread to feed the crowd, bread became a sign of sharing. It also symbolised the Word of God which nourished the crowds.
What is the spirituality of challah? ›
Challah represents the idea of taking something physical and elevating it to the spiritual. Not only are we providing physical nourishment to those who eat our challah, but they are also being nourished spiritually with the thoughts and blessings that we conjure up while we are making our challah.
What is an interesting fact about challah? ›
Challah in the Temple
At the time when the ancient Temple stood in Jerusalem, on a gleaming golden table, were displayed 12 special unleavened wheat loaves, called Challah. Those 12 loaves represented the 12 tribes of Israel who together formed one whole.
What is the blessings for challah bread? ›
Before taking the first bite of food, the following blessing is recited: Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz. Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has brought forth bread from the earth.
What does the Bible say about challah bread? ›
Challah bread has a Biblical history from the time of Moses in Exodus 16, where God instructed Moses to set aside a portion of each loaf and use it as an offering to local Jewish priests. Today this tradition is still upheld where a piece of bread is burnt inside the oven before the other bread is baked.
Regardless of version or shape, the purpose of the key shaped challah is the same: to bring the blessing of prosperity and wealth upon the house. It is known as a segulah (charm in Hebrew) for parnasah (prosperity in Hebrew). The idea behind this once-a-year pastry is that God holds the key to our prosperity.
Why do Jews bless the challah? ›
We cover challah because the 2 challas on shabbat represent the double portion of manna that were given to the Jews in the desert on Fridays, because on shabbat no manna came down, so a double portion was given on Friday for shabbat as well.
