What Makes Challah Bread a Symbol of Jewish Tradition?

On my journey to Judaism, I have learned many wonderful cultural practices, but one that stands out among all the rest is the baking of Challah bread.  Challah is central to the Jewish experience. 

Every Friday night, practicing Jews usher in  Shabbat, by saying the Kiddush prayer before drinking wine and eating the Challah, making this bread is much more than just a delicious carb-filled snack. Challah holds significant symbolism for the Jewish people and is connected to deeply rooted rich traditions that span millennia.  

In this article, I’ll discuss the history and symbolism that makes Challah so special to the Jewish people, along with my personal Challah story and how it has changed my life in so many ways.   

Challah: How it Started and What it Represents

The inception of Challah dates back to the Exodus from Egypt found in the Torah. According to scripture, God gave the Israelites manna from heaven to sustain them during their forty years in the desert. Six days a week they would receive manna, but on the day before the Sabbath, they received a double portion so they had enough to cover the day of rest.

This manna was a miracle from heaven that kept God’s people alive during their time in the desert and to this day, Jews around the world prepare two loves of Challah for Shabbat to represent the double portion of manna the Israelites received. The braiding of the Challah represents unity according to The Isreal Forever Foundation:

“The strands of the challah represent the different kinds of Jewish people that exist all around the world. The braiding of the challah represents the fact that we are united as one people. Even though we have different ways of observing our Judaism, we can all celebrate the traditions in our own unique ways.”

In addition, the Challah represents gratitude. We feel grateful to God for sustaining the Jewish people while they traveled through the desert for forty years and for sustaining us today. 

My Personal Challah Story

I began baking Challah shortly after starting the conversion process and it instantly became a tradition in my house. This beloved bread will always have a special place in my heart. Not just because it’s delicious and satisfying to bake; it goes much deeper than that. For me, Challah is a way of providing spiritual and physical nourishment for me and my family. It’s a way that I stay connected to God and the Jewish people from the time of the Torah through today.

The baking of Challah is also a peaceful and calming process that helps me slow down my busy mind and get into “rest mode.” I take in every moment and know that as I measure the flour and kneed the dough, I am welcoming in Shabbat. From this point until the Shabbath is over, I am connecting only with God, the Torah, and my family. 

One thing I love about living a Jewish life is how our faith is in everything we do.  We recite a prayer before getting out of bed in the morning–Modeh Ani–thanking God for another day of life. There is the Mezuzah we place on our doors to remind us of God’s everlasting presence and his commandments. We observe Shabbat to rest as God commanded of us and of course, the baking of Challah where, according to Ohel Sara, we take something physical and elevate it to the spiritual.

Of all the Jewish traditions, Challah is one of the most beloved. It connects us to God, the Torah, and Jewish people from the past and present. It is a beautiful experience for all who partake and an opportunity to share God’s love. Yom Tov!

If you are interested in baking your own Challah bread here is a recipe from “the Nosher,” a Jewish website dedicated to sharing Jewish recipes:  https://www.myjewishlearning.com/the-nosher/how-to-make-challah/