Definition

Noun: 1. (Judaism) A loaf of white bread, traditionally enriched with eggs and leavened with yeast. It is often shaped into a braid and glazed with egg wash before baking. This bread holds special significance in Jewish rituals, particularly for the Sabbath (Shabbat) and certain holidays.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She bought a fresh hallah from the bakery for Friday night dinner.
  • The recipe for hallah requires several eggs to give it a rich, yellow color.
  • Before baking, she brushed the braided hallah with an egg glaze to make it shiny.

Advanced Usage

• "To separate hallah" (or "take challah"): This refers to the Jewish religious commandment (mitzvah) of separating and setting aside a small portion of the dough before baking as an offering. This act connects the baking to ancient Temple practices.
  • When making a large batch of dough, it is customary to separate hallah and recite a blessing.

Variants and Related Words

• Challah: This is the most common alternate spelling in English.
• Hallot / Challot: The plural forms of hallah/challah.
• Shabbat bread: A descriptive term often used synonymously with hallah, emphasizing its primary use.

Synonyms

• Egg bread: A descriptive, non-cultural synonym focusing on the ingredients.
• Braided bread: A descriptive synonym focusing on the common shape.
• Sabbath bread: A descriptive synonym focusing on the primary ritual use.

Notes on Meaning

The word hallah (or challah) specifically denotes a bread with cultural and religious significance in Judaism. While it can be described by its ingredients (egg bread) or shape (braided bread), using the term hallah implies this specific traditional context. It is distinct from common white bread or brioche, though similar in richness.

Noun

1. (Judaism) a loaf of white bread containing eggs and leavened with yeast; often formed into braided loaves and glazed with eggs before baking