A Jewish baking tradition rises in the age of Instagram
Briefly

Shlissel challah, a custom observed by many Ashkenazi Jews, signifies the festive return to leavened bread after Passover. This specialty challah, either shaped like a key or containing one within, is meant to symbolize good fortune for livelihood. Its precise origins remain unclear, but it likely began in the Orthodox tradition in the 19th century. The practice highlights the interplay between established rituals and everyday life. Additionally, the rise of social media has transformed shlissel challah into a visually appealing tradition, inspiring creativity among bakers and enhancing community engagement across platforms like Instagram.
Religious tradition is not handed down fully formed from God on high. It's made by people, and shaped by human factors like politics, faith, and fear.
Shayna Weiss explains that shlissel challah, baked into the shape of a key, is a ritual for livelihood, embodying a blend of cultural and religious heritage.
Judaism embraces practices with gaps between formal teachings and daily lived experiences, as shown by the shlissel challah tradition that evolves through community influence.
The hashtag #ShlisselChallah showcases a modern social media trend, bringing traditional practices into the digital age with varying levels of creativity and artistry.
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