challah

American  

[khah-luh, hah] / ˈxɑ lə, ˈhɑ /

Also challeh,

noun

1. a loaf of rich white bread leavened with yeast and containing eggs, often braided before baking, prepared especially for the Jewish Sabbath.

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challah British  

/ ˈhɑːlə, xaˈla /

noun

1. bread, usually in the form of a plaited loaf, traditionally eaten by Jews to celebrate the Sabbath

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Etymology

Origin of challah

From the Hebrew word hallāh

Explanation

Challah is an eggy yeast bread that's traditionally eaten by Jewish people on Shabbat and other holidays. Braided challah is the most common type. Not only is challah a tasty kind of bread, it's also highly significant in Judaism. Having two loaves at a meal symbolizes the manna, or food, that fell from heaven when the Israelites wandered through the desert. A piece of dough set aside before baking represents a tithe, or religious contribution, and salting the challah is an important part of blessing the meal, as salt symbolizes an eternal bond with God.

Example Sentences

Over delicious homemade challah, we discussed classic graphic novels, many of which he edited.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2024

Around us are culturally clashing foods — boxes of takeout Indian dishes set across the room from a cart of sliced challah and tiny cups of prayer wine.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2024

The six mothers had gathered in a Jerusalem home on a recent Friday to prepare challah, the braided bread that Jews eat on the Sabbath.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2023

On the table were candles, wine and loaves of challah, the braided bread typically eaten during the Friday night meal.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2023

Anya’s arms felt like challah dough: floppy and damp.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack