Many women devote themselves Shabbat after Shabbat to Hafrashat’Hala, but do we really know the origin of this mitzvah?
Many women devote themselves Shabbat after Shabbat to Hafrashat’Hala, but do we really know the origin of this mitzvah?
The HalaThe Hala is the portion of dough that must be removed when it is to be baked and contains more than a certain amount of flour. The reason Jews call their Shabbat bread by the name of the mitzvah is to show their commitment to the commandments. Let's face it, it's also the best mnemonic device. Having said that, do you know the etymology of the word Hala? This term has the same root as the word "hathala / the beginning" because by taking a portion of dough before we even bake our bread, we emphasize the power of beginnings. "Hathala" = "the beginning An extraordinary power going back to the beginning of the beginnings... the creation of the world.From BerechitAccording to Rashi's explanation, Bereshit can be translated as "Bishvil Reshit" / for "Reshit". | The HalaThe Hala is the portion of dough that must be removed when it is to be baked and contains more than a certain amount of flour. The reason Jews call their Shabbat bread by the name of the mitzvah is to show their commitment to the commandments. Let's face it, it's also the best mnemonic device. Having said that, do you know the etymology of the word Hala? This term has the same root as the word "hathala / the beginning" because by taking a portion of dough before we even bake our bread, we emphasize the power of beginnings. "Hathala" = "the beginning An extraordinary power going back to the beginning of the beginnings... the creation of the world.From BerechitAccording to Rashi's explanation, Bereshit can be translated as "Bishvil Reshit" / for "Reshit". |
| According to the famous commentator, the world was created for entities of such importance that they are called "beginnings": these are the Torah and Israel. And the Midrash adds that the "Halah", the first fruits and the gifts to the Cohanim are also called Reshit". Thus, one of Hashem's intentions at the time of the creation of the world would be that "the woman should take the Hala called Reshit"! "halato chel haolam" = "the hala of the world" By the way, in taking the Challah, we are inspired by Hashem at the time of the creation of Adam Harishon (Bereshit 2:6). And the Torah tells us how G-d prepared a "giant dough" by moistening the whole earth with water. Then He took this dough from the four corners of the world to form Adam called: "halato chel haolam / the hala of the world". | According to the famous commentator, the world was created for entities of such importance that they are called "beginnings": these are the Torah and Israel. And the Midrash adds that the "Halah", the first fruits and the gifts to the Cohanim are also called Reshit". Thus, one of Hashem's intentions at the time of the creation of the world would be that "the woman should take the Hala called Reshit"! "halato chel haolam" = "the hala of the world" By the way, in taking the Challah, we are inspired by Hashem at the time of the creation of Adam Harishon (Bereshit 2:6). And the Torah tells us how G-d prepared a "giant dough" by moistening the whole earth with water. Then He took this dough from the four corners of the world to form Adam called: "halato chel haolam / the hala of the world". |
| The braid and the smell, the warmth of the home | The braid and the smell, the warmth of the home |
Moreover, the word Hala comes from "halut" meaning "to make Hashem reside".
At the time of the Temple, the Hala was brought to the Cohanim to provide for their needs.
"halut" = "to make Hashem reside"
From then on, this mitzvah transforms our material bread into real spiritual food. It encourages us to recognize that everything comes from Hashem and invites us to deep humility.
The braid and the smell, the warmth of the homeBy the way, did you know that Jewish women have taken to braiding their bread in the image of the unbreakable bonds they create in their homes ? A braid is made of three pieces of bread linked together, each one preserving its originality, while being alternately above or below, thus teaching us to remain humble. |
Moreover, the word Hala comes from "halut" meaning "to make Hashem reside".
At the time of the Temple, the Hala was brought to the Cohanim to provide for their needs.
"halut" = "to make Hashem reside"
From then on, this mitzvah transforms our material bread into real spiritual food. It encourages us to recognize that everything comes from Hashem and invites us to deep humility.
The braid and the smell, the warmth of the homeBy the way, did you know that Jewish women have taken to braiding their bread in the image of the unbreakable bonds they create in their homes ? A braid is made of three pieces of bread linked together, each one preserving its originality, while being alternately above or below, thus teaching us to remain humble. |
| Finally, the quintessence of the Hala is that special smell: the smell of good warm bread and mitzvot. A scent that permeates the entire house and leaves an indelible mark on the heart of each person. So many unforgettable moments of love, sharing and self-giving. Is this not the origin of the greatest blessings and the key to success ? Léa Benacom Instagram @ Facebook: @jeuneetjuive Youtube : Lea Benacom Torah classes, preparing girls for Bat Mitzvah and young women for marriage. COPYRIGHT RECIPE : ALYSSA RIVERS PHOTOS : MY CHALLAH RECIPE . | Finally, the quintessence of the Hala is that special smell: the smell of good warm bread and mitzvot. A scent that permeates the entire house and leaves an indelible mark on the heart of each person. So many unforgettable moments of love, sharing and self-giving. Is this not the origin of the greatest blessings and the key to success ? Léa Benacom Instagram @ Facebook: @jeuneetjuive Youtube : Lea Benacom Torah classes, preparing girls for Bat Mitzvah and young women for marriage. COPYRIGHT RECIPE : ALYSSA RIVERS PHOTOS : MY CHALLAH RECIPE . |
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