Jewish holidays are filled with tradition and symbolism. Challah bread is used during these festive occasions and during fellowship on Sabbath evenings (Fridays). “Challah” is derived from the Hebrew word, “portion,” as in, God commanded Moses that the people should give a portion of their first dough as a gift. Of course, God owns the rest of the dough. Just like tithing, giving a portion of anything back to the Lord signifies trust and relationship.
Traditionally, rabbis separated a portion of the dough at least the size of an olive and burned it so that the smoke was taken up to the Lord. The bread could be made in any way and today, all types of breads are used to celebrate this tradition.
However, the shapes of the more recognizable challah have meaning. Braided challah, such as the one in the photograph, have three, four, or even six strands that represent the intertwined love of God for His creation. Three braids might only symbolize truth, peace and justice. A challah bread with 12 humps relay the 12 tribes of Israel. Plain round loaves stand for continuity.
Next time you enjoy bread, remember what God had done for His people when He commanded a beautiful start to a long-lasting tradition, and that we were grafted into the blessing of His grace. Although we no longer are obligated to hold onto the rituals of the Hebrew past, we may eat challah bread in remembrance of the love God has for the human race that started thousands of years ago with the Israelites.
Recipe for Challah Bread
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup honey
4 tbsp vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tbsp salt
8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
Directions:
1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in large bowl.
2. Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs and salt. Add flour in one cup at a time and knead dough until it thickens. Add flour as needed.
3. Cover with a damp clean cloth and let dough rise for 1 1/2 hour or until it is doubled in bulk.
4. Punch down the risen down and place onto floured board.
Divide dough in half and knead each half for five minutes. Add flour to keep dough from being sticky.
5. Divide each half into thirds and roll into strands that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
6. Pinch end of strands together and braid from the middle.
7. Curve the braid into a circle.
8. Grease two baking trays and place finished braids on each and let them rise for one hour.
9. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
10. Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous amount over each braid and sprinkle poppy seeds if you ahve them.
11. Bake for 40 minutes.
12. Cool bread for one hour before slicing.
References:
All Recipes (2016). Challah I. Retrieved from: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/6760/challah-i/
Modernist Bread (2019). The significance of challah. Retrieved from: https://modernistbread.com/the-significance-of-challah/
My Jewish Learning (2019). What is challah? Retrieved from: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/challah/
