Traditional Challah

Challah holds deep significance in Jewish tradition, serving as the ceremonial bread for Shabbat and holidays. Its rich, eggy dough creates a tender crumb and golden crust that's made it beloved far beyond religious observance. The name comes from the biblical commandment to separate a portion of dough as an offering, and today's braided shape is said to represent unity and the intertwining of love, truth, and peace.

Our traditional recipe uses eggs for richness and color, creating the classic challah that's slightly sweet and wonderfully soft. But we also honor the tradition of water challah - an egg-free version that's equally important in Jewish baking. Water challah allows the bread to remain pareve (neither meat nor dairy), making it suitable for any meal. It's also perfect for those with egg allergies or following vegan diets.

The art of braiding challah is both practical and symbolic. We'll teach you multiple braiding techniques, from the simple three-strand braid to the impressive six-strand version. Each shape has its own meaning: round challahs for Rosh Hashanah symbolize the cycle of the year, while ladder shapes for Yom Kippur represent our prayers ascending to heaven. Beyond technique, you'll learn the secrets to achieving that perfect golden crust, tender crumb, and the slightly sweet flavor that makes challah irresistible.