Objects

A photograph showing the preparation of dough and the shaping of challah – one of the activities performed in Jewish families, including Hasidic ones, by women, mothers with their daughters. Challah is an important part of the Shabbat dinner, and the origins of the tradition of baking it can be traced as far back as the 4th century BC. Hafrashat chala (Hebrew for separating the dough), the act of separating a piece of challah dough, is an example of a woman's mitzvah (obligation). The challah is a part of the challah that was sometimes given to the priests of the Kohen family of the Jerusalem Temple as an offering. The custom of separating the dough comes from a verse in the Book of Numbers.

Nowadays, a blessing is recited before a piece of dough is separated (it is supposed to be the part that fits in the palm of the hand) and then the dough is thrown into the fire.

MBK, AW