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
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.
What does the challah cover symbolize? ›
The cover represents the layer of dew that enclosed the manna and kept it fresh during the Exodus and also keeps the challah from being “shamed” by the fact that the wine is drunk before the bread is eaten during the Shabbat service.
What is the meaning of challah food? ›
Ritually acceptable challah is made of dough from which a small portion has been set aside as an offering. Challah may also refer to the dough offering. The word is biblical in origin, meaning "loaf". Similar braided breads such as kalach and vánočka are found across Central and Eastern Europe.
What does bread symbolize in Judaism? ›
Bread, at its core, is synonymous with life, basic sustenance and community. In Hassidic and Orthodox culture, bread shepherds a new life into the home and acts as provisions for the dead as they leave. On Shabbat, challah rests luxuriously under a napkin or decorated cover, braided and lovely.
What does the bread symbol represent? ›
A symbolic value
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 so special about challah? ›
It is said God instructed Moses to donate part of every loaf to the local Jewish priests as an offering, and the Challah is the 'Manna' or 'bread from heaven' passed down to the chosen people. Today, bakers of Challah still provide an offering - but the practice has become more ceremonial than literal.
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.
What is a fact about challah bread? ›
Challah Bread Origins
In ancient times, this dough was baked into beautiful loaves and donated to the Cohanim (Priests) who worked in the Temple in Jerusalem. Once the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, donating loaves of bread to Cohanim ceased; the broken off piece is burned instead.
What is the blessing over the challah? ›
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 is the significance of round challah? ›
It is meant to represent continuity, the wheel of the seasons, or a spiral of upward progress. At its core, these all follow the concept of time being cyclical, and the shape represents the year's cycle. Some challahs are adorned with various toppings, partially for flavor but mostly, for further symbolism.
Breaking the bread together literally means becoming one body in Christ, an unbreakable family bond, not just with one another, but also with God.
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 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 symbolic meanings does bread have in literature? ›
In many cultures (not only Christian), bread is a symbol of holiness and respect, serving as a vehicle for the sacred. As Matvejević writes, “Bread is the product of both nature and culture. It was the condition for peace and the cause of war, the promise of hope and the reason for despair.
