ChallahThe golden braids and shiny brown crust of challah loaves are unmistakable. The sweet, eggy bread is customarily eaten on Sabbath and Jewish holidays (except Passover). Braided loaves are most common since they are eaten weekly on the Sabbath. But on Rosh Hashanah, round loaves symbolize the cyclical nature of the year. Check out MyJewishLearning.com for more information on the significance of challah’s many shapes.

Challah comes in many flavor varieties, too. It's sometimes sprinkled with sesame or poppy seeds or dotted with chocolate or dried fruits. Regardless of additions like these, the basic sweet, eggy taste, yellow color and cake-like texture define this special bread. Click through our challah handbook for recipes and more:

Pickled’s Challah Handbook

• Q&A: Challah Saleswoman Jane Moritz
• Traditional Challah Recipe
• Two Takes: Vegan Challah Recipe

Click here to return to the Rosh Hashanah dinner table for more symbolic dishes.