Water Challah Recipe (2024)

Challah is a powerful woman's mitzvah that brings abundant bracha, blessing, into ourhome.Cooking for The King'swater challah recipe is about much more than its mixture of flour, sugar, salt, water and oil. Interspersed within each step of the recipe are entreaties appropriate to this task.

Just as you may want to use your own challah recipe, you may decide to include personal prayers of your own. Many women find these thoughts meaningful as they mix ingredients in preparation for the mitzvah of taking challah.

Water Challah Recipe

This simple challah recipe makes six lovely loves every time.This is the best water challah recipe I have tried. It is only slightly sweet with just the right amount of density.

1. SUGAR: May I see the sweetness of others’souls and love them as they are. MayI also see the sweetness of my own soul and please help me to be generous with sweetwords and kind acts.

Pour 1 overflowing cup sugar or honey into a very large bowl

2. WARM WATER:Water is compared to Torah. We ask that our home be a warm environment, conducive for understanding eachother and the beauty of our Torah.

Stir 4 1/2 CUPS warm water into the same bowl.

3. YEASTfills the mixturewith energy and fuels its growth.May we be filled with vitality to growand reveal the potential within us.

Sprinkle 4 TABLESPOONS yeast overthe water and stir once.

Allow to stand about 5 minutes until bubbly andfrothy.

4. FLOURgives the breadits substance and definition. (white bread, spelt bread, whole wheat, i.e.) Mayour days be filled with substance and meaning. MayTorah and mitzvos defineour lives.

Add 5Pounds(2 kilo) flour to the bowl.

5. OILwas used toanointthe kingof the Jewish people. It connotesnobility and honor. As you pour, say the name of each family member and thinkof their noble qualities.

Slowly add one cup of oil

As you pour, whisper the names of your loved ones - If you know their Hebrew names youshould use that.

6. SALTslows down thefermentation of the yeast. Without it, the yeast over-inflates, runs out of foodand then collapses. In Judaism we relate yeast to the ego which we try to keepin check. May we be aware of our own self-centeredness. Please help us toexpress our individual gifts in proper measure.

Measure 3 TABLESPOONS salt into thebowl

7. Stir until the dry ingredients are moistened. In the bowl or on a clean flat surface knead the dough about 5 minutes until smooth. Add a bit of oil if the dough is dry and flour if it is too wet.

Physically,kneading refines and develops the dough’s texture. On a deeper level, WE are ACTUALLY bringing together the physical the spiritual. Flour is like the material world——water is Torah. This is a veryopportune time to pray.

Kneading is an effort, it sure givesour arms a workout!

With each push and pull we will think of those whom our arms arms long to hold and hug . May all who taste this bread come closer to you, G-d, and may our efforts todayresult in revealed good.

8. Oil the sides of the bowl, roll the dough in the oiled bowl until it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap. Place covered bowl in a draft free place, a closed oven is good, to rise for an hour or until doubled in bulk.

Our neshama, like the dough, flourishes in a place of warmth and stillness. Just as the bowl is covered, our growth is not always visible. Oiling the bowl reduces friction and helps the dough to rise. May we help our loved ones by giving them warmth and understanding.

9. When the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Uncover, punch gently in the center with your fist, the dough will deflate. Now is the time totake challah.

The act of taking challah is a very deep concept that says: we accept that the source of our sustenance and strength is from none other than the King and Creator of the Universe, our own giving, loving Father.

Whether you use the ingredients in this water challah recipe, bake from one of your own or patronize your local bakery, we recognize that everything we have is from the open, loving, merciful hand of Hashem.

10. Shape dough into eight loaves. You can alsomake other breads with the water challah recipe. Place shaped breads on a baking pan lined with parchment paper or in pans coated with baking spray. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 30 minutes to one hour, until almost doubled. After rising, brush with beaten egg and bake 25-35 minutes until golden. After a few minutes, remove the delicious smelling loaves from their pans to cool on a wire rack.

Each of the steps in making bread for challah helps to prepare for the onset of Shabbos. When you light your candles and turn to see two challos crowning your table, feel themalchus, kingship, of Shabbos entering your home. May all who are seated around this table feel their nobility as one of k'lal Yisrael; this is a table set for The King. water challah recipe

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