A
challah cover
is a special cloth used to cover the two braided
loaves (challah) set out on the table at the beginning
of a Shabbat or Yom Tov meal. While its appearance
lends a decorative and ceremonial aspect to the
set table, its presence serves both a halakhic
and symbolic function.
Halakhic function
At the beginning of a Shabbat or holiday meal,
a blessing must first be made over the wine
(Kiddush) in order to the sanctify the
Shabbat. This is followed by the blessing over
the bread (challah), which begins the meal.
However, in the hierarchy of blessings
mandated by the Sages, the blessing
over bread should precede the blessing over wine.
In order to preserve the priority of the wine,
and not to "shame" the bread which should be
blessed first,[3] the bread is “removed” by
concealing it from view with the challah cover.
In the absence of a challah cover, one may use
a napkin, doily, tissues, or similar covering.
Judaic
Online store that provides a wide selection of
all types of Judaica, Challah Covers, Jewish gifts, Jewish books,
Jewish ritual items and www.judaic.com
Aharon's Jewish Books and Judaica
600 South Holly Street Suite 103
Denver, Colorado 80246
303-322-7345
800-830-8660