The Challah Shoppe

What Is Challah? The Meaning, Tradition, and Spiritual Significance

Challah (חלה) is one of the most beloved Jewish traditions, but its significance extends beyond its delicious taste and inviting aroma. The word challah itself has a rich and multifaceted meaning, with its roots deeply embedded in Jewish law, history, and spiritual practice. While the most common understanding of challah refers to the braided loaves of bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat, the term also has a deeper, more profound biblical and halachic meaning that every Jewish baker and home can connect to.

Challah: A Dough Offering to G‑d

In its original, biblical sense, challah refers not to the loaves of bread on the table, but to a portion of the dough that must be separated and consecrated to G‑d every time we bake bread. As the Torah states in Numbers 15:20-21:"The first portion of your kneading, you shall separate as a dough offering (challah)... In all your generations, give the first of your kneading as an elevated gift to G‑d."This mitzvah (commandment), known as Hafrashat Challah, is one of the 613 commandments that form the foundation of Jewish life, touching upon the relationship between material sustenance and spiritual growth.

Why Do We Separate Challah?

When the Jewish people first entered the land of Israel, they were commanded to separate a portion of their bread dough and give it to the Kohanim (priests) who served in the Holy Temple. This was not just a practical gift, but a way to acknowledge G‑d as the ultimate provider of all sustenance. The Torah describes challah as the "reishit," meaning the "first and the best" of the dough, and it serves as a spiritual reminder that, ultimately, all our resources come from G‑d.

The act of separating challah is symbolic of reserving a portion of our livelihood for charitable giving and spiritual pursuits. Just as the bread dough must be set aside for G‑d before we use it for ourselves, we are reminded to dedicate the first and best moments of our day, our energies, and our talents to spiritual growth and to those in need.

Challah in the Modern Day

Although the practice of giving the separated challah to the Kohanim is no longer possible—since the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and the conditions of ritual purity in which the Kohanim ate the challah no longer exist—the mitzvah is still observed. Instead of handing the dough to a Kohen, the separated piece of dough is burned, symbolizing its sanctity. This burning of challah serves as an act of remembrance, anticipating the future redemption and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.

The Role of Women in the Mitzvah of Separating Challah

The mitzvah of separating challah is considered one of the three primary commandments traditionally entrusted to Jewish women, along with lighting Shabbat candles and keeping kosher. As the foundation of the home (akeret habayit), the woman plays an essential role in shaping the spiritual atmosphere of the household. Through this mitzvah, she brings blessings and spiritual nourishment to her home and family. It is often said that the act of separating challah elevates the physical act of baking into a spiritual practice.

Jewish women have carried on the tradition of baking challah for generations, viewing it as an opportunity not only to provide for their families' physical sustenance but also to instill faith in G‑d. By performing this mitzvah, women elevate their homes, infusing them with divine energy and holiness.

How Do You Separate Challah?

The Requirements for Separating Challah:

The Flour: Challah is separated from dough made with one or more of the five grains: wheat, barley, spelt, oat, or rye.

The Liquid: The dough must contain some liquid—water, oil, eggs, or juice. For the blessing to be recited, the dough must include water, as this ensures the mitzvah is being properly fulfilled.

The Dough: Challah is separated only from heavier doughs, such as bread, babka, or challah itself. Loose batters or light doughs (such as cake dough) do not require the separation of challah.

The Quantity: A minimum of 59 ounces of flour (about 3 lbs. 11 oz., or 1.67 kg) must be used to necessitate the separation of challah. If the flour is between 43 and 59 ounces, challah is separated without reciting the blessing. If there is less than 43 ounces of flour, challah does not need to be separated.

How to Separate Challah (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour and liquid ingredients until a dough forms. The dough should be kneaded thoroughly before separating challah.

Recite the Blessing: Once the dough is ready and before it is divided into loaves, recite the following blessing:

Hebrew:"Baruch Attah Ado-noy Elo-heinu Melech Ha-olam, Asher Kidishanu B’mitzvotav V’tzivanu Le-hafrish Challah."

Transliteration:"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to separate challah."

Take the Challah: Take a small portion of the dough—approximately one ounce (about the size of an olive). This is the challah.

Burn the Challah: The piece of dough must be burned, as it cannot be used for any other purpose. Wrap the dough in foil and place it in the oven or broiler, ensuring no other food is baking at the same time.

Challah Today: A Modern Tradition

While we no longer give challah to the Kohanim, the act of separating it retains its spiritual significance. In modern times, Jewish women continue to perform this mitzvah, often baking challah in preparation for Shabbat. The dough becomes a vehicle for elevating the home, family, and self. The act of separating challah connects us to a long line of Jewish tradition, reminding us that our sustenance is a gift from G‑d and that we must always set aside a portion for spiritual and charitable purposes.

Common Questions About Separating Challah

Can a man separate challah?Although the mitzvah is traditionally associated with women, any Jewish person, including men and children of bar or bat mitzvah age, can separate challah if necessary.

What if I’m making dough in batches?If your mixer can't handle enough dough at once to require separating challah, you can combine all the dough into one container, ensuring it is one cohesive batch before separating the challah and reciting the blessing.

Can I separate challah from dough after it has been baked?Challah is typically separated before baking. However, if you forget or the dough wasn't initially prepared with the intention of separating challah, you can still separate it after baking, provided you cover the baked loaves and take a portion from one, reciting the blessing if applicable.

Is challah required if I’m frying or boiling the dough?If you intend to fry or boil the dough (for example, for dumplings or noodles), you should separate challah without a blessing. However, if part of the dough is baked, even a small amount, you must separate it with a blessing.

Why Is Separating Challah So Important?

The mitzvah of separating challah is a powerful spiritual practice that connects the material world with the divine. It serves as a reminder that our physical sustenance comes from G‑d, and that by dedicating a portion of our bread dough to Him, we are spiritually elevating not just the bread, but our entire lives. Every time we bake, we are fulfilling an ancient commandment that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. By observing this mitzvah, we also partake in a collective act of hope and faith in the future redemption of the Jewish people.

Whether you're preparing for Shabbat or baking for any occasion, the act of separating challah remains one of the most profound and meaningful mitzvot in Jewish life—connecting us to our heritage, our faith, and G‑d.

FAQs About the Beverly Hills Farmers Market Challah Booth

Q: What makes your challah special?

A: Our challah is handmade with love and baked fresh for every market. We use only the finest ingredients and follow traditional recipes to create soft, fluffy challah with a golden crust. Plus, 100% of proceeds go to charity, so your purchase supports a great cause!

Q: Where can I find you?

A: We’re located at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market at 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Q: Is your challah kosher?

A: Yes! All of our challahs are 100% kosher certified.

Q: What flavors of challah do you offer?

A: We currently offer classic challah and chocolate chip challah, perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or as a special treat!

Q: Can I order challah online?

A: Very soon! Our website, ChallahShop.com, is currently in beta as we finalize development. Once it’s ready, you’ll be able to place an order for fresh challah delivery straight to your door. Stay tuned!

Q: Do you have gluten-free challah?

A: While we currently do not offer gluten-free challah, we’re always exploring new options. Stay tuned for updates!

Q: Is parking available at the market?

A: Yes, there’s free 2-hour parking available near the market for your convenience.

Q: How does my purchase help?

A: Every dollar you spend goes directly to support charitable causes, making your purchase meaningful and impactful.

Q: Can I pre-order challah to pick up at the market?

A: Pre-orders are coming soon! Once our website is fully operational, you’ll be able to reserve your challah in advance. For now, stop by our booth to pick up your fresh challah.

The Challah ShoppeOrder fresh, Kosher challah for Shabbat, Holidays, or a sweet treat! Visit The Challah Shoppe at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market or shop online for delivery. 100% proceeds benefit charity.

VISIT The Challah Shoppe AT THE BEVERLY HILLS FARMERS MARKET!Join us this Sunday for the delicious aroma of freshly baked challah from The Challah Shoppe!

Our handmade, kosher challah from The Challah Shoppe is perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or any occasion.

✨ Why stop by The Challah Shoppe?

Enjoy the rich, traditional taste of artisanal challah baked fresh each week by The Challah Shoppe.100% of proceeds support charity, so your purchase from The Challah Shoppe truly makes a difference.Choose from classic or chocolate chip challah from The Challah Shoppe!📅 When: Sundays, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

📍 Where: 444 N Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

🚗 Parking: Free 2-hour parking

📞 Phone: (310) 818-3218

💻 Prefer online shopping?

Visit The Challah Shoppe at ChallahShop.com to order fresh challah delivery straight to your door!

Thank you for your support of The Challah Shoppe!

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday—don’t forget to grab your kosher challah from The Challah Shoppe and share the love! ❤️

FAQs About The Challah Shoppe at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market

Q: What makes The Challah Shoppe's challah special?

A: Our challah is handmade with love and baked fresh for every market. The Challah Shoppe uses only the finest ingredients and follows traditional recipes to create soft, fluffy challah with a golden crust. Plus, 100% of proceeds go to charity, so your purchase from The Challah Shoppe supports a great cause!

Q: Where can I find The Challah Shoppe?

A: We’re located at The Challah Shoppe booth at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market at 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Q: Is The Challah Shoppe's challah kosher?

A: Yes! All of our challahs from The Challah Shoppe are 100% kosher certified.

Q: What flavors of challah does The Challah Shoppe offer?

A: The Challah Shoppe currently offers classic challah and chocolate chip challah, perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or as a special treat!

Q: Can I order challah online from The Challah Shoppe?

A: Very soon! Our website, ChallahShop.com, is currently in beta as we finalize development. Once it’s ready, you’ll be able to place an order from The Challah Shoppe for fresh challah delivery straight to your door. Stay tuned!

Q: Does The Challah Shoppe have gluten-free challah?

A: While The Challah Shoppe currently does not offer gluten-free challah, we’re always exploring new options. Stay tuned for updates!

Q: Is parking available at the market for The Challah Shoppe?

A: Yes, there’s free 2-hour parking available near the market for your convenience.

Q: How does my purchase from The Challah Shoppe help?

A: Every dollar you spend at The Challah Shoppe goes directly to support charitable causes, making your purchase meaningful and impactful.

Q: Can I pre-order challah from The Challah Shoppe to pick up at the market?

A: Pre-orders are coming soon! Once our website is fully operational, you’ll be able to reserve your challah from The Challah Shoppe in advance. For now, stop by our booth to pick up your fresh challah.