Rosh Hashanah Round Challah Recipe: Bake a Sweet Jewish New Year Tradition

The Perfect Rosh Hashanah Round Challah Recipe for Your Holiday Table

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is synonymous with sweet traditions, and none is more iconic than the round challah. This Rosh Hashanah round challah recipe will guide you through creating this symbolic bread, perfect for your holiday celebrations.

Why Make a Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah?

The round shape of this special Rosh Hashanah challah represents:

• The cyclical nature of the year
• Continuity of creation
• Hope for a “well-rounded” year ahead

Unlike the braided challah served on Shabbat, this Rosh Hashanah round challah recipe produces a circular loaf, often studded with raisins for added sweetness – a key theme of the holiday.

Rosh Hashanah Round Challah Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs + 1 for egg wash
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup warm water
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs, oil, and warm water.
3. Form dough: Gradually add wet to dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Incorporate raisins if using.
4. Knead: On a floured surface, knead dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
6. Shape: Punch down dough, divide into 3 parts, and roll each into an 18-inch rope.

1. Create round shape: Braid the ropes, then form into a circle, pinching ends to seal.

1. Second rise: Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

1. Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare for baking: Brush challah with beaten egg and add optional seed topping.
3. Bake: 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
4. Cool: Let the Rosh Hashanah round challah cool on a wire rack before serving.

Why do we eat a round challah on Rosh Hashanah?

The reason that we do the round challah, versus the braids, for Rosh Hashana, is because the year is round, it represents that idea. This looks like a crown, for crowning God as king on Rosh Hashana.

Serving Your Rosh Hashanah Round Challah

Traditionally, this Rosh Hashanah round challah recipe is served with honey, symbolizing wishes for a sweet new year. Some families also add apple slices for dipping in honey, creating a complete Rosh Hashanah sweet treat.

By following this Rosh Hashanah round challah recipe, you’re not just baking bread – you’re participating in a meaningful tradition that connects you to Jewish heritage and the hopeful spirit of the New Year.

Shana Tova! May your year be as sweet as this homemade Rosh Hashanah round challah.