Rivka’s Challah Recipe:

5 ¾ cups warm water – Water is often used in Jewish text and tradition as a symbol for the Torah. Just as water is the essential ingredient of life, the values of the Torah can be viewed as the essential ingredients of one’s spiritual life.

1 ½ cups sugar – You can also use any combination of sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or sugar substitutes (organic zero).  Sugar represents faith (Emunah), which endows life with sweetness. With faith one is able to confront difficult times in life with hope and confidence.

3 Tbsp. dry yeast – Yeast has the power to make things grow and expand.  Growth is an integral part of life not only in one’s personal journey, but in the effort to facilitate and encourage the growth of others as well.

5 lbs. flour – Flour represents sustenance and prosperity. In this world we need a combination of physical labor and Heavenly assistance in order to succeed. The arduous refinement process needed to produce flour from its seed is a reminder of the importance of individual efforts and focus in achieving our goals. 

1 ½ Tbsp salt – Salt is a substance that brings out the essence and flavor in food. In our challah the salt reflects the stinging criticism that when administered in small doses and with sensitivity can bring out our true potential and help us to refine ourselves for the betterment of our character. The goal of constructive criticism should be to guide a person to fulfill his or her potential. Sometimes this must be done with salty tears.

 ½ cup oil – Oil was used in biblical times to anoint people and places. In our recipe we are anointing  loved ones as well as our homes with spirituality. As you pour the oil into your hands and over the bread, keep in mind the unique qualities and character traits you, your family and your friends possess. 

Brachah (Blessing) on eating Bread:

The custom is to ritually-wash one’s hands and recite the following blessing before eating bread.

            Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.

            Blessed are you G-D, King of the universe, who brings forth bread (sustenance) from the earth.

Optional: Glaze Challah with a scrambled egg (egg wash) for glossy look. You can also add cinnamon, sugar or vanilla to the egg wash for extra flavor.

Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes or until golden. The bottom of the Challah should also sound hollow.