While it’s an essential component of Jewish culture and celebration, anyone can enjoy challah bread. Consisting of a simple recipe of eggs, yeast, flour, salt, and water, challah has a sweet flavor that’s easy to love. Below is more information about this delicious bread if you want to try a loaf the next time you’re at the local bakery. 

3 Facts About Challah Bread

1. It Has a Lengthy History

The first references to challah are in the Torah, which is the first five books in the Hebrew Bible. However, the modern iteration was not created until the 1400s. During this period, braid-style doughs were popular in Germany, where they were part of the Shabbos, or Sabbath, celebration. They quickly spread to other parts of Europe, including Poland and Lithuania. 

2. Different Shapes Have Different Meanings

While braided challah bread for the Sabbath is the best-known version, there are several recipes to celebrate different occasions. During Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year—participants usually serve round challah. And during Purim, which commemorates the day Esther saved the Jewish people from Haman, chefs form small loaves into triangular shapes. 

Additionally, different ingredients also have various meanings. Poppy and sesame seeds on the top of loaves are symbolic of manna from heaven, while dried fruits symbolize joy and happiness. 

3. Loaves Are Often Concealed

Most challah loaves have a decorative cloth covering during holidays until the participants make a blessing over them. There are a few different reasons for this tradition. Due to its association to manna—which the Torah states was preserved by a layer of dew—covering challah refers to this miraculous occasion. Some religious scholars also claim that the covering protects it from blessing other items first, such as wine. 

If trying a challah loaf interests you, Emerson's Bakery features this delicious bread, along with their tasty selection of donuts, cakes, and cookies. When you visit this bakery, you can rest assured that they make every offering from scratch. Based in northern Kentucky and serving the Greater Cincinnati area for more than five decades, they have locations in Florence, Independence, Ft. Mitchell, Newport, and more. Call (859) 371-9228 to speak to a representative about your needs. Visit the bakery online for more information about their products.