CHALLAH & BABKA RECIPES

Ingredients and Values For the Recipe of a Jewish Home


SUGAR
Express sweetness and warmth.

DRY YEAST
Build the self esteem of your loved ones, children and friends with sincere compliments. Make sure to express gratitude when appropriate.

WARM WATER
May our homes be filled with the love and learning of Torah and Knowledge of G-d.

FLOUR
The largest ingredient in the recipe represents (Avodas Hashm) service of G-d. It is the energy to make our home a place for the shechinah (G-d’s presence) to rest. (*using whole wheat flour shows we are not afraid of hard work. Sifting removes sickness and impurities.

SALT
This smallest ingredient in the recipe teaches that necessary criticism of family members must come in small doses. The goal is to give directions to get back on the proper path.

OIL
Anoint each of your family members with oil as was the custom in the days of the Kings. As you slowly pour the oil into your hands and pat it into the dough, think about and see the unique qualities and expression of Avodas Hashm (service of G-d) of all your family members including yourself.

One Heaping Dose of Love

The Hebrew words for health and creation share the same root. When involved in the act of creation (kneading our Challah) it is also a time to pray for health and for those in need of a complete recovery.

May G-d enable our prayers to nourish the body and soul of all who eat it.

Hafrashat Challah
Blessing Said on 5 Pounds of Challah

Remove an olive sized piece of dough, hold the piece of dough in your right hand and recite the blessing. Then wrap the dough in tin foil and burn the dough in the oven as an offering to the Kohen. Do not eat this dough. Wrap it in a bag and dispose.

Baruch Atah Adon’ai, Elo’heinu, Melech Haolam, Asher Kidishanu Bimitzvosav Vitzivanu, Lihafreesh Challah Min HaIssa.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, king of the universe, who has made us holy through His commandments, and has commanded us to separate challah from the dough.

Separate dough, hold up and say:
Zeh Yehay Challah Al Kol HaIssa

This shall be challah on all the dough.

Five Pound Challah Recipe

Ingredients

  • Water : 6-8 cups

  • Dry Yeast : 3 tablespoons

  • Sugar : 1+ 1/4 cup

  • Oil : 1/2 - 3/4 cup

  • Flour : 5 lbs

  • Salt : 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar, yeast and water in a bowl and let sit and bubble for a few minutes.

  2. Add the oil, flour and salt.

  3. Mix or knead until the dough is smooth.

  4. Braid.

  5. Brush with egg and water

  6. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.

  7. Remember to Keep Shabbat.

Two Artisan Challah & Babka Recipes

Ingredients

  • Sugar: 1 + 3/4 oz sugar

  • Yeast: 1 packet

  • Water: 3/4 cup

  • Oil: 3/4 oz

  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

  • Flour: 2 cups

  • Artisan Fillings:
    zaatar, chocolate spread, everything but the bagel spice, cinnamon & raisins

Tools to have on hand: Candy thermometer, silicone Challah or Chalet baking mold, whisk

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar, yeast and water, stir together in a bowl and let sit and bubble for a few minutes.

  2. Add the oil, flour and salt and stir together.

  3. Mix or knead until the dough is smooth.

  4. Let dough rest.

  5. Add Artisan fillings.

  6. Braid the dough.

  7. At home brush with egg and water wash.

  8. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.

  9. Freeze your challah if making before Thursday.

  10. Remember to Keep Shabbat.

EXPERIENCE SHABBAT
Tune In. Think. Breathe. Pray. Stop. Let Go. Experience. Connect.

 

In memory of Tzvi Ben Shlomo HaKohen
In memory of Lauren Chaya Bottner