Recipe

Ingredients

Step 1

  • 4 packets or 4 tbsp. dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar

Step 2

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup oil
  • 5 lbs and 1 cup flour (13-14 cups)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast with warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add 1/2 of the bag of flour and mix very well.
  2. In separate bowl beat eggs and oil, then add it to the bowl.
  3. Add the other 1/2 of the bag of flour, plus 1 cup and knead well, until dough feels nice and smooth. Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and allow dough to rise for 2 hours.
  4. Take a piece of dough for the Mitzvah of Challah, braid the dough, put into greased pan and brush with egg and toppings.
  5. Bake on 375 for 40 minutes or 20 minutes for small rolls.

The Mitzvah of Separating Challah

What is it?

The mitzvah, entrusted especially to Jewish women, embodies the belief that all of our sustenance comes through G‑d’s hand. Just as we may not use the dough unless we have separated Challah, so too a portion of our livelihood (our time, money, or talent) is always reserved for giving to charity which is given “of the first and the best.” Our Sages tell us that observing this mitzvah “will cause a blessing to rest on your house.”

How is it done?

After the dough has been mixed, before it is braided into loaves and baked, say the blessing:

Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-noi Elo-hai-nu Me-lech Ha-o-lam A-sher Kid-sha-nu B’mitz-vo-tav V’tzi-va-nu L’haf-rish Chal-lah.

Blessed are You, L rd our G d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to separate Challah.

Then remove a small piece (approximately 1 oz or the size of an egg) from the dough and say: “Harei zeh Challah!” “This is Challah!” Burn the Challah separately from the rest of the dough.

For more info on this special mitzvah, click here.