Challah Covers

Question

Dear Rabbi,

Why do have two challahs at each Shabbat meal, and why do we cover them?

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom!

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Two loaves, which are traditionally challahs, are placed upon the Shabbat table for the meals of Shabbat. Two loaves are used as a remembrance of the manna, which miraculously fell to earth to sustain the Jewish People while in the desert for forty years.

    Two portions of manna fell from Heaven on Friday so that people could collect this food for two days – Friday and Shabbat. In this way, they would not need to go out to collect it on Shabbat, which would have been contrary to the spirit of the Day of Rest. Since a double portion of manna was collected in honor of Shabbat, we likewise make the blessings over bread while holding two loaves of challah.

    The manna in the desert would arrive covered both underneath and on top with a layer of dew, which would keep it clean and fresh. To recall the miracle of the manna being double-covered in this manner, we cover the challahs both under and over. The widespread custom is to place them onto a fancy silver platter and also cover them with a special, fa white, embroidered challah on a plate or platter and also cover them with an elegant challah cover.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team