Challah Answer

10/02/2022

A. The challah is sometimes baked with dough laid on top that looks like wings, because on Yom Kippur people are seen as angels asking for forgiveness.

and

B. Some people place dough in the shape of a ladder on the top of the challah, symbolically indicating that on Yom Kippur God decides who will ascend or descend the ladder of life.

and

C. Some bakers include dough shaped like a hand on the top of the challah, symbolizing that we should be inscribed for a good year.

and

D. One tradition is to shape dough on top of the challah that looks like a bird, or even to bake the entire bread in the shape of a bird. This symbol references the verse in Isaiah: 31:5, “As hovering birds, so will the Lord protect Jerusalem.”

Click here to return to this week’s Question.

Click here to return to the Home Page.

✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡