ANSWERS: 1
  • Challah is a traditional Jewish bread eaten to celebrate Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, and religious holidays. Challah is not eaten at Passover, however, when only unleavened bread is permitted.

    Ritual

    Jewish meals typically begin with breaking bread. Challah is a special bread served during Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

    Ingredients

    According to jewishrecipes.org, challah is an egg-based bread sweetened with honey.

    Appearance

    Challah is traditionally divided into three ropes and braided before baking. It is coated in an egg wash to give it a deep golden brown crust.

    Symbolism

    Traditionally, sesame or poppy seeds are sprinkled on top of challah to symbolize the manna God provided for the Israelites, according to Jewishrecipes.org.

    Rosh Hashanah

    For Rosh Hashanah, raisins are baked into challah, and the bread is shaped into a circle instead of a braid. JewFAQ.com suggests the circle represents the cycle of life, while Jewishrecipes.org says the shape is symbolic of God's crown.

    Other Cultures

    Challah is also popular among non-Jewish peasant populations in European countries, such as Hungary.

    Source:

    Jewishrecipes.org: What is challah?

    JewFAQ.org: Jewish Cooking

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