Challah covers are an ancient tradition both in Judaism and Judaica art. Originating from religious tradition in Talmudic times, challah covers serve two purposes. One is the obvious role of covering the challah on your Shabbat dinner table. As a piece of Judaica art, its second job is to decorate your dinner table adding a greater meaning and aesthetic pleasure to your weekend.
As described above, challah covers are pieces of cloth often elaborately decorated to cover the challah on Shabbat. There are several reasons for covering the challah and they all date back to Jewish cultural traditions of the ancient times.
One symbol resembled by the challah cover is the gift of manna given to the Jews during the Exodus from Egypt to Israel. On Shabbat, the braided bread challah is placed on the table on top of a cutting board and underneath a challah cover to simulate the two layers of dew that would fall both above and beneath the Jew’s manna keeping it fresh.
Another reason for the covering of challah is the other Jewish tradition of Kiddush. According to the religious practices of the sages, the meal’s bread needs to be blessed before everything else. However, Kiddush, or the blessing of the wine, must be performed to sanctify Shabbat making this of high priority. The solution has been to cover the challah and perform Kiddush while the challah remains out of sight. Only after the Kiddush is the challah uncovered and blessed.
Challah covers come in a wide variety of forms and materials to help Judaica customers find the piece that they most want to have on their Shabbat dinner table. Different Judaica artists also create challah covers with separate materials and often create lines or collections of challah covers of a certain material. This arrayed mixture of material includes fine silk, embroidery, cotton, and just about every kind of cloth imaginable. When lacking a proper challah cover, almost anything can be used in its place including paper.
As an item that comes from and derives all inspiration from ancient Jewish culture, the designs typically used on a challah cover are generally of the same theme though many artists are specially recognized for modernizing their pieces.
Traditional designs for challah covers include almost every symbol of Jewish significance. Pomegranates, Stars of David, and views of abstractly colored Jerusalem are among the most popular images and symbols used. Each artist and creator may have a different style and set of taste when it comes to challah covers, but they are all sure to get the job done, and with such an amazing selection available, you are certain to find the piece that’s just right for you.
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There are numerous Judaica items that can be given as gifts. Some of the most popular gifts for milestones such as Bar Mitzvahs as Jewish Weddings are Kiddush Cups and Candlesticks amongst many others. One other gift that is an essential for the Jewish home is the Challah Cover.
Looking for a gift for a newly married couple or a practical gift idea for a housewarming? Consider a Challah cover, one of the most noticeable Judaica items used on Shabbat and Holidays. Challah covers are used on Shabbat and Jewish Holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot to cover the Challah bread during Kiddush and until it is cut after washing hands.
If you would like a gift for a newly engaged couple, consider one of Yair Emanuel’s find silk Challah covers that feature images of pomegranates, Jerusalem and Shabbat items. Or pick a luxurious black velvet Challah Cover that is embroidered with silver thread and features floral patterns together images of Jerusalem and Hebrew text. You can even choose to have silver plates embroidered into the cover’s design.
Challah Covers are traditional Judaica items that are frequently given as gifts on all special occasions and holidays. They are especially appreciated by those who are Judaica collectors, especially when made in Israel and feature traditional Judaica motifs and designs. Browse our massive collection of Challah Covers made in Israel by famous artists such as Yair Emanuel. Challah Covers are also excellent gifts for those who have just established their own home, which is a notable milestone in Judaism.
We at World of Judaica invite you to peruse our gallery of high quality Challah Covers that are made from Velvet, Silk and Lace and feature both modern and traditional designs. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact customer service and we will be happy to address your concerns.
