The Significance of Zomick's Challah
Here, bakers from the Zomick’s Kosher Bakery, who are known to make the best Challah in New York, the Zomick’s Challah, will share more about the symbolical meaning of this bread.
Usually, two Challah breads are presented on the occasion of the holidays, to represent the two portions of manna that was distributed on Fridays to the children of Israel during the exodus from Egypt. The Zomick’s Challah baker’s share that the woven bread is covered with a white napkin, representing the dew that covered the morning manna. Poppy or sesame seeds represent the manna that fell in flakes from the sky.
The type of braid used for the Zomick’s Challah bread has several meanings. Those with 4 or 6 lines are reminiscent of intertwined arms and symbolize love. Three braids symbolize peace, truth and justice. The closed braid like a donut, which is characteristic for the Zomick’s Challah of the Jewish New Year, represents the continuity of life.
The Zomick’s Challah bakers share that the name "portion" is due to the Hebrew name used in the biblical commandment in which it is required to offer a portion of the bread as a gift, for generations. On Saturday, Jewish families give the rabbi a portion of their bread, which is symbolically burned during the blessing. The tradition of taking a piece of challah and burning it is still present in homes of Jewish origin. This tradition is also present in the Zomick’s Kosher Bakery. Zomick’s Challah bakers also take a piece of challah and burn it.
Zomick’s Challah Bakers share the fact that the name "Challah" was given to a bread in southern Germany in the Middle Ages, when it was adopted by the Jews for the Sabbath.
You can order the Zomick's Challah online on Whole Foods Market.
