Zomick’s Challah Bake
Those who have tried it know that braiding challah can be complicated, and it definitely takes practice to create a beautiful final product. To help you conquer the art of braiding challah for any occasion, Zomick’s kosher bakery decided to host a Challah braiding event that will allow people to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of their Jewish heritage.
The bond among God, Jews and bread goes back to the first book of the Bible, and as the Israelites were about to end their exile, God commanded them to show gratitude by setting aside a portion, or challah, of all the bread they make after entering the Holy Land. Jewish cosine is based on the dietary laws of kashrut, which is over thousand years old, and teaches avoiding certain foods and food combinations such as meat and dairy products, with the purpose of keeping kosher. Although certain foods are off-limits, the Jewish diet is anything but bland. Zomick’s challah is a tasty staple of the Jewish cousin that has its place on the table all year-round.
This braided, crusty bread has a key role in Sabbath and holiday rituals. Traditionally, before the bread is broken a blessing is recited by someone from the family elders, and then the bread is salted. Part of making challah is the blessing, meaning when you're braiding the challah, you pray. That is why this braided bread traditionally served at the Sabbath table contains a holiness that differentiates it from any other variety of bread. Baking challah is a unique mitzvah given to women that provides an opportunity for a blessing, as in the Jewish culture, Challah is traditionally made by women. Making challah gives women the opportunity to bring holiness into their homes, which is way they put a lot of love and energy to make a challah.
Gatherings such as Zomick’s challah bake represent beautiful unity events where women can come together, make challah and be themselves. This kind of events also help the participants reconnect with their roots. Although it is traditional Jewish bread eaten during holidays and Shabbat, thanks to its rich, sweet, eggy dough, challah has become almost universally loved.
