This year Good Friday and the start of Passover were on the same day—-a rare occurrence given the difference between the Gregorian calendar used by most Western countries and the lunar calendar observed by the Jewish faith. Indeed, the Seder plate used during the first night of Passover tells the dramatic story of the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt and includes reminders of their captivity: bitter herbs to signify the bitterness of slavery, haroset which is a reminder of the mortar used between bricks, a shank bone to remember the Passover sacrifice and an egg which represents the new life promised to them after the Red Sea crossing.

Borrowing from our Jewish roots, our own Good Friday dinner was a cross-section of the Judeo-Christian traditions that mark this holy season of the year. Beginning with a candle lighting and blessing at 6:45—the official start of the eight-day Passover festival—and continuing with the meal which included some dishes found at a traditional Passover Seder table including Matzo ball soup, roasted chicken (with haroset stuffing), marinated green beans, Israeli couscous and tabouleh salad. Also gracing our table was one of our year-round favorites: fresh Challah bread baked that afternoon. While Challah—and dishes containing yeast—are not eaten during Passover, we couldn’t help ourselves! This braided bread is so delicious and beautiful to look at and made an honorary appearance on our Good Friday Passover table. Best when eaten fresh, this versatile bread is also wonderful toasted the next morning day. Try out the recipe below and see for yourself!

With wishes for a joyful conclusion for the Passover and Easter seasons, we look forward to the promise of new life this spring!

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Challah Bread

SERVINGS 3loaves CHANGE SERVING SIZE loaves

COOK TIME 30mins

PREP TIME 15mins

READY IN 1 hr15 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tbsp yeast
• 1/2 cup very warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 9 cups flour

Instructions

1. Combine the first three ingredients to dissolve the yeast. Let sit for 5 min. or until foamy.
2. Add the next 4 ingredients and then the flour and salt, adding as much flour as you need for the dough to start pulling away from the side of the bowl.
3. Remove to a floured surface and knead until the dough is no longer sticky.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, turn over once, cover and let rise until doubled in bulk.
5. Divide dough into 9 balls and roll each ball into a “rope” using your hands.
6. Braid 3 ropes together into 1 braided loaf of bread and continue with the other 6 ropes, making 3 loaves in all.
7. Let the bread rise again.
8. Make an egg wash and brush on the bread and bake in a 325º oven until golden and cooked through, about 30 min.