Challah Cover Directions

Challah bread is braided.

Challah is a white bread that is traditionally eaten on Jewish holidays and the Shabbat (See reference 1). Challah is also quiet popular in several European countries like Hungary and the United States. The challah cover is placed over top of the bread until prayers are said and the bread is served. Covers can be both practical, decorative or religious. They are not hard to place, but to honor tradition, they should be placed correctly.

Instructions

1. Select a challah cover. The cover should be large enough to cover the double braided loaf. It does not need to have any specific symbol on it or be made from a certain fabric. Some challah covers are decorated personally, others are purchased at retail. Religious challah covers are often inscribed with Hebrew phrases like "To honor the holy Shabbat" and "To honor Shabbat and Yom Tov." In a pinch, you can use a blanket, towel or scarf. While many believe the print of a challah cover is unimportant, others believe the challah cover should be white. However, this was mostly done because of cleanliness, so a colorful or decorative challah cover is fine if it is sanitary.

2. Place the challah bread on the table behind wine and candles. Put it on a challah board, in a basket or directly on the table.

3. Cover the challah. Make sure the bread is entirely concealed.

4. Leave the challah covered until the entire kiddush is said over the challah.

References

• Jewish Recipes: What is Challah
• "Life, Love, Lox: Real-World Advice for the Modern Jewish Girl" ; Carin Davis; 2010
• "How Does Jewish Law Work?: A Rabbi Analyzes 95 Temporary Halachic Questions"; J. Simcha Cohen; 1999