Separating challah in Maalot
There was a lot of dough at a recent Rosh Chodesh (first of the month) event in Maalot. The type that turns into bread; challah, to be specific.
This special “hafrashat challah” or separating challah event was with Rabanit Tali Kook. It took place in the northern Israel town of Maalot, with the Bnei Menashe women who live there.
Hafrashat challah is the separating of a small piece of challah before baking. This symbolic act comes from a biblical commandment where a portion of the challah was given to the Kohen during Temple times. In modern times, since we do not have the Temple, the portion is burnt, or respectfully disposed of, often in the merit of a person or persons in need.
At this special event on the beginning of the Hebrew month of Av, the women learned how to bake the challot, as well as unifying in the act of the ‘hafrasha.’ This makes the power of the act that much more. They did their ‘hafrasha’ in the merit of all of the Jewish people to have a good year.
Photos below; too bad we couldn’t offer samples of the challah itself 😉
