Meaning

• The word "challah" comes from the Hebrew word for portion. The Bible asked for people to break a portion of their baked bread on the Sabbath and give this to the priests of the temple. In the Middle Ages, Jews adopted the bread to celebrate the Sabbath, where it became the traditional loaf on Sundays.
  
  

Rosh Hashanah

• Usually the challah is knotted in loaves, but the round challah breads are baked for the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. This is when Jewish people celebrate the new year. The rounded challah of this holiday symbolizes continuity and the endless cycle of life.
  
  

Ingredients

• A typical challah loaf is made from yeast, water, sugar, flour, and eggs. Some bakers like to add poppy or sesame seeds. Some challah loaves contain raisins and nuts and can have a honey glaze over the top to symbolize a sweet start to the new year.