What Is Hafrashas Challah? The Mitzvah and How to Take Challah

Quick answer: Hafrashas challah is the mitzvah of separating a small piece of dough when baking bread from a large enough batch. When the amount is significant, a bracha is said and a piece is set aside and burned. It is one of the special mitzvos connected to Jewish women.

Whether you are baking challah for the first time or want to understand the mitzvah more clearly, here is what hafrashas challah is and how it is done.

What Is the Mitzvah of Challah?

The Torah instructs that when we make dough, a portion is given to the Kohen. Today, when we do not have the purity needed for the Kohen to eat it, we instead separate a small piece and burn it, while the rest of the dough is ours to bake and eat.

This separated piece is called challah, which is the source of the name we use for Shabbos bread.

How Much Dough Requires Taking Challah?

The obligation depends on the amount of flour in the dough. There are two thresholds:

• A smaller batch: challah is taken without a bracha.
• A larger batch: challah is taken with a bracha.

The exact measurements are a matter of halacha and the shiurim vary between poskim, so check the amount with your rav or a reliable halacha guide before relying on it.

How to Take Challah, Step by Step

1. Finish mixing the dough so it is fully combined.
2. If the batch is large enough for a bracha, recite the bracha on hafrashas challah.
3. Separate a small piece of dough, about the size of a kezayis, and lift it away.
4. Declare it challah, then wrap it and burn it (many double-wrap it and burn it in the oven or on the stovetop).

Many women use this moment as an eis ratzon, a special time for tefillah, and keep a card with the bracha and a prayer nearby.

Why Is Challah Connected to Women?

Hafrashas challah is one of the three mitzvos especially associated with Jewish women, along with hadlakas neiros (lighting Shabbos candles) and the laws of family purity. Taking challah has become a beloved moment of connection and tefillah, often done together at challah bakes.

Final Thoughts

Hafrashas challah turns baking into a mitzvah and a moment of tefillah. Knowing when a bracha is said and how to separate the piece lets you do the mitzvah with confidence. When in doubt about amounts, ask your rav, and let the moment be one of bracha for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hafrashas challah?

It is the mitzvah of separating a small piece of dough when baking from a large enough batch. The piece is set aside and burned, and when the batch is big enough a bracha is said.

How much dough do you need to take challah with a bracha?

It depends on the amount of flour, and the shiurim vary between poskim. Smaller batches are taken without a bracha and larger batches with one. Confirm the exact amounts with your rav.

What do you do with the piece of challah you separate?

You declare it challah and then burn it, since today it cannot be given to a Kohen. Many double-wrap it before burning.

Who has the mitzvah of taking challah?

It applies to the dough regardless of who bakes, but it is one of the three mitzvos especially associated with Jewish women, along with lighting Shabbos candles and family purity.

Why do women say a tefillah when taking challah?

Taking challah is considered an eis ratzon, an opportune time for prayer, so many use the moment to daven for their family, health, and other needs.

This article is a general overview. The measurements and details of hafrashas challah are matters of halacha that vary between poskim. Please confirm the practical halacha with your rav.