During the week following Pessach, it is customary to bake Challah as a Segula (charm in Hebrew) for Parnassa (prosperity in Hebrew). This tradition symbolizes the belief that God holds the key to our prosperity, and by engaging in this once-a-year ritual, we invite blessings of wealth and prosperity into our homes.
In light of the current situation in Israel, the Mitsvah of baking Challah after Pessach takes on an even deeper significance. As women come together for the Shlissel Challah tradition, they also unite in prayer for the safe return of the hostages and for the well-being of their nation. This act of baking Challah becomes not only a Segula for prosperity but also a powerful expression of hope, solidarity, and faith in God’s protection and provision during challenging times.
Praying for a better future for our nation, in Israel and all over the world.
Here is a walk down memory lane. From 2019 to 2023.
Water Challah Recipe
(Yields 8 challah)
2 tbsp yeast
1 1/4 cup sugar
5 1/2 cup warm water
1 1/2 cup oil
16 cups bread flour (or 2.5 kg)
2 tbsp pink salt
Egg wash
DIRECTIONS:
In a mixer (or in a bowl) combine yeast, sugar and water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to activate that yeast.
Add oil, flour and salt. Make sure not to place the salt directly on the yeast.
Start your mixer and let it run for 10 minutes. If kneading by hand, also knead for 10 minutes to work the gluten.
Let it rest until double in size, about 1- 1.5 hour
Bless your dough
Take 4 equal size balls. Roll out making the edges thiner than the middle. This will ensure that your braid is higher in the middle.
Start braiding. Rule is: 3 —> 1 4 —> 3 2 —> 4 1 —> 2 Counting from left to right.
Keep repeating that pattern until you finish your braid. Give it a push in from both sides and place on your parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat for all challah.
Cover braids and let them rest for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Egg wash the top of challah.
Bake at 350 (in a preheated oven). If baking 2 pans, switch top and bottom racks after 20 minutes and bake an additional 25-30 minutes, or until golden.
For full video on how to shape this key, click here.
For full video on how to shape a 4-strand Challah braid, click here.
Enjoy,
Guila
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