Challah Stories and Essays

Baking challah with our children can impart a Divine higher consciousness—an awareness of G‑d and how He is with us in everything we do.

Before baking her toil, talent and thaler into bread for herself and her family, she pinches off a choice bit . . .

This mitzvah is so holy that women use the time of separating challah to pour their tender hearts out to G‑d.

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

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...

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...

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

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.

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...

Every mother has many dreams for each of her children, but right then, my deepest desire was that you would find your purpose in this world, and that when you found it, you’d never let it go. When you said the words of the blessing I was so proud of you. The first thing you did as an "adult" - Jewish woman was a mitzvah...

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?

Everyone loves fresh baked challah. But the unique mitzvah for women of challah is much more than just creating delicious bread. Join Sara Esther Crispe as she discusses the meaning of challah preparation, why it is connected to women and the lessons it has for our lives.