This morning I woke up early and decided to do some baking. Suddenly I realized that it was also Friday - the day I make Challah bread. I cannot tell you how much I love challah! Whenever I eat a piece of it, I feel like I'm eating a piece of a cloud. The sweet taste and fluffy texture makes it seem as though it was made by the angels themselves. But there is a lot more to this bread than you may think.
Made of yeast and eggs, challah (Hebrew for "cake") bread is a special type of bread eaten by some on Friday evenings and special holidays. Depending on the holiday, they can be formed into different shapes to represent certain aspects pertaining to that holiday. Sesame seeds may also be added to the bread.
I find that the time I spend making challah is a great opportunity to pray and give thanksgiving to God (because of the long time it takes to make challah, praying ensures that no one gets bored!). I love making 6-braided challot (plural of challah), because it reminds me that God created the world in 6 days. There is so much symbolism and meaning in challah bread that you simply cannot just make it in a rush nor gulp it down at the dinner table. Care must be used while making it, and prayers must be said before eating it.
No matter your beliefs, anyone can make it really. Use the time you put in to making (and eating) this bread for self-reflection and thanksgiving. Teach your kids this too, so that they can pass it on and make it another family tradition!
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