Challah

In its more widely-known usage, challah refers to the two loaves of bread that form the core of the Shabbat meal. But in its more basic, biblical meaning, challah is the piece of dough that is separated and consecrated to G-d every time we bake bread

My mother showed us how even the seemingly mundane parts of life are part and parcel of our spiritual service...

What could possibly be so important about separating a piece of dough that the Midrash states that it is the purpose of creation?

I have found, in my experience of making challah, that there is a personal lesson and meaning not just in the final product of the bread we eat, but in the process of making this holy bread itself.

I did not care if my finished loaves would come out heavy and crumbly. It didn't matter -- I still had some praying to do...

Separating challah is one of the three commandments that are particularly related to women. Kabbalistically, this commandment teaches us how this relates to a woman's innate understanding and might.

The portion of challah that is separated is not just a reminder of our past, but even more importantly, a lesson for the present and the future

There are times I begin to knead nearly blind with tears, but as I set the dough to rise, my heart is steady again, and I am tranquil with faith...

My dear friend Edith treats my challah like an esteemed, albeit mercurial, family member. She often tells me that she can taste the energy and love I pour into my baking...

I know that all are not sustained and nourished here, where I furtively eat behind closed doors. So I expiate my guilt by prayer, and this leads to a new kind of haunting uneasiness

Nothing can compare to the smell of freshly baked challah on the Shabbat table. In this section you will learn how to bake like a pro and bring to your Shabbat meal challah in one of many ways: Traditional Challah, Rye Oatmeal Challah, Raisin Challah, Tasty Challah, Moroccan Challah . . .