Dry clean recommended. Hand wash, lay flat to dry and follow with iron.

100% French linen
16 x 20 inches

There are multiple theories as to why we cover the two loaves of challah gracing our holiday table spreads, the most common having to do with hierarchy. Since the Torah lists seven staple Israeli foods–wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates–Jewish tradition requires that these foods be blessed and consumed following the order in which they are mentioned.

At the start of Shabbat, and every Jewish holiday, the wine (grapes) is blessed before the challah (wheat), so we cover the bread to preserve the intended order. To truly hide the challah, a cover must be large enough to conceal two loaves of bread and opaque enough that we cannot see through it.

While this ceremonial piece can be created from fabric or paper, it traditionally features beautiful decorative flourishes, like embroidery and appliques—making it a festive cornerstone of any religious (or symbolic) celebration.