Question: Can a man separate challah?

Answer: Although separating challah is one of the three mitzvot given especially to women, anyone over the ages of Bar or Bat Mitzvah age may also separate challah if necessary.

Question: My mixer's capacity is less than the required amount for separating challah. Can I make the dough in two batches and still fulfill the mitzvah?

Answer: Most mixers do not hold enough dough to require the separation of challah, making it necessary to prepare the dough in two or more batches. These doughs can then be combined, as described below.

All the dough should be put into one container. Then cover it on top to make it "one dough," making certain that the dough is covered on all sides by either the container or the covering. Challah is then taken with a blessing.

Question: Can one separate challah from bread that was already baked?

Answer: Challah should be separated before baking. However, if it was not possible to do so because the batter was loose (such as with many cakes), or if one forgot to separate challah before baking, then it should be separated after baking, before any of the baked goods are eaten.

Challah is separated from baked goods by placing all of the baked loaves or cakes into a box or container, covering with a cloth, and then taking a piece from one of the loaves, and saying the blessing when applicable.

Question: Is challah separated if the dough is to be fried or boiled?

Answer: If one kneads a dough with the intention of cooking it or frying it (e.g. for noodles or dumplings), challah should be separated without a blessing. However, if the dough is kneaded with the intention of baking even part of it, and part of it is in fact baked (even a small amount), then challah is separated with a blessing as long as the entire dough meets the minimum requirements.