11-18-2007, 06:17 AM
11-19-2007, 04:39 AM
Shay Wrote:
Someone asked me why a challah is made with 4 braids. Anyone have an answer on where and when this tradition began and its roots?
Thanks
Shay
I'd check out Yeshuat Yisrael's or Hebrew4Christian's webpages; but my guess is this: The challah braids likely represent the four corners of the earth, each third of Israel (four of twelve is one of three) or each fourth (three per section), or something to do with Pesach- maybe even the cross.
11-19-2007, 07:56 AM
Shay Wrote:
Someone asked me why a challah is made with 4 braids. Anyone have an answer on where and when this tradition began and its roots?
Thanks
Shay
Challah is normally made with either three or six braids.
If three, they represent the commandments to observe shabbas:
Zachor, shamor, and b'dibbur echad.
I don't think the six braids have any special significance, but
they are easier to use for a large loaf, and I think it gives a
much more beautiful challah.