What Is the Meaning of Challah?

Challah, or hallah, is a bread eaten by members of the Jewish faith on Shabbat and holidays.

HIstory

Challah is a Hebrew word meaning bread. Historically, challah was reserved for consumption on the Sabbath. It can also refer to the section of dough kept for the high priests in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Symbolic Meanings

Challah has served as a symbolic replacement of sacrificial offerings for almost 200 years. As a reminder of the offerings to the Temple, women would burn a piece of the dough after it had risen. Today, challah is only considered kosher if it "has been taken."

Ingredients

The challah dough is traditionally made with flour, honey and eggs, and is coated in an egg wash before being baked to give it a golden color.

Preparation

Once the ingredients are combined and made into dough, it must be fermented for at least two hours, or until it has doubled in size. Traditionally, the dough is cut into three ropes that are braided and then covered in plastic wrap to allow it to triple in size over several hours. Finally, the loaf receives an egg wash.

Serving Challah

Challah can be served with butter, jam or by itself.

References

• PBS History of Challah
• Jewish Recipes
• Challah Recipe