The term “challah” has a long history dating back over 2,500 years. In Hebrew, it is spelled chet-lamed-heh and is mentioned in various books of the Bible, including Leviticus and Numbers. Originally, challah referred to a portion of dough given to priests, but over time, it evolved into the plump bread served on Shabbat tables.
The modern braided challah we know today has its origins in the 15th century when German Jews adopted the braided look from a German bread called berchisbrod. This braided style was influenced by a pre-Christian ritual involving a Teutonic demon named Holle. Over the centuries, challah became a symbol-laden bread with various shapes and symbolic flourishes.
Different Jewish communities developed unique traditions around challah. Ashkenazi Jews added eggs or saffron to symbolize the manna that fell from the sky in the desert, while Sephardi Jews used spices, honey, and oil in their loaves. The shape and decorations of challah also varied depending on the occasion, with bird-shaped challah for Yom Kippur and ladder-shaped challah for Shavuot.
As Jews immigrated to America, challah took on new traditions and cultural associations. The Yiddish pronunciation of challah, khale, evolved into different variations in American communities. Today, challah continues to be a central element in Jewish tradition, with various organizations and events dedicated to baking and sharing this special bread.
Challah has transcended its original religious significance and has become a form of art and expression for many bakers. From traditional braided loaves to creative shapes like lobsters and octopuses, challah remains a symbol of unity and tradition across generations.
Opening picture: Sarah Klegman/Challah Hub