Macrina Bakery - Breads: Menu

Challah

Bread of the Month

Cup Cake

Whether you know it as challah, hallah, challot, chala, khala, barches, barkis, bergis or khale, this festive Jewish loaf is surrounded by folklore and tradition and loaded with symbolism. The celebration of this special bread links the present to the time of the book of Leviticus when God instructed Moses to offer twelve loaves in two rows of six. For more than 4,000 years since, Jewish families around the world have observed this symbol of holiness every Sabbath as a reminder of the purity of the day of rest. A portion of dough is traditionally burnt in the oven as a symbolic sacrifice in memory of the Temple of Jerusalem and the offerings of first dough made in ancient Israel. The ceremony of every meal connects us to the food that grows in the earth and nourishes our bodies and souls.

The challah put on the gastronomical map by eastern European immigrants in the later part of the 19th century is probably quite different from the challah Moses offered. The braiding of challah is believed to be modeled after the twisted white breads found throughout Central and Eastern Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Around the world challah varies in shape and size, each imbued with biblical significance. A braid symbolizes love; a three-stranded braid denotes truth, peace and justice, while twelve strands represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Loaves sprinkled with poppy and sesame seeds indicate manna that fell from heaven. Festive challahs enriched with honey and raisins typify joy and happiness. Specially shaped challahs include crown loaves, which are an emblem of the King of Kings; round loaves baked for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur create a visual continuum. Two oblong loaves side-by-side represent the Tablets of Law given to Moses on the Mount of Sinai. Challah shaped like a ladder reminds us to aspire to great heights.

Every Friday our tradition at Macrina is to offer a plain braided loaf and a challah speckled with poppy seeds at each of our retail locations. Our loaves are formed by hand and enriched with honey, sugar, milk, and eggs. For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we offer crown loaves enhanced with plump raisins as well as loaves sprinkled with poppy seeds. Enjoy our challah at the beginning of your next Sabbath meal, on its own, with Murray Island preserves, or as a delectable French Toast.