Challah

Challah is a loaf of leavened, braided egg bread that is traditionally consumed on Shabbat in Jewish communities, although it is also popular on festive occasions such as weddings or brit milahs. Less common varieties of challah are not braided, but shaped into spirals, books, keys, and flowers.

Sometimes, before baking, challah is sprinkled with poppy, sesame, or coriander seeds, symbolizing manna that fell from heaven while the Israelites were in Exodus. On Shabbat, two loaves of challah are traditionally placed on the festive table, their braids symbolizing connection, justice, love, and peace.