Why do we cover the challah?

It is traditional to leave a cover on the Challah until you are about to bless and eat it, but why?

There are several different traditional explanations for this. Here are a few, from Reform Judaism https://reformjudaism.org/learning/answers-jewish-questions/shabbat-why-challah-covered-decorative-cloth) and from the Maltz Museum (https://www.maltzmuseum.org/blog/putting-challah-in-context)

•  The first is to make it clear, when you are saying Kiddush over the wine first, the blessing is not over the challah.

•  A  second, more fanciful explanation is from a midrash (Rabbinic story to explain something) that the Challa would otherwise be embarrassed to know that it’s not getting the first blessings.

•  A third explanation is that the cover reminds us of the dew that covered the manna that God gave us in the desert, keeping it fresh.

•  Another explanation is that, since Shabbat is often referred to as a bride (the Jewish people being the groom), lifting the cover is akin to lifting the bride’s veil at a wedding.

 Although it’s fine to cover the challah with a napkin or any piece of cloth, there is a principle called “hidur Mitzvah”, or making a commandment pleasing or beautiful. That’s why you will often see very elaborate and beautiful challah covers.

Our regular Challah cover is rather beautiful! It’s made of a silky rayon, and is  handmade in Israel. Add it to any of our boxes, or buy one on its own at www.JewJuBox.ca/shop

The challah cover in our Simply Shabbat bag is simple indeed, since the bag is made for travel and the contents are meant to withstand creasing and stuffing.  It’s only available in our Simply Shabbat bag at www.JewJuBox.ca/shop/p/simply-shabbat