A challah bake can be a quiet evening with friends or a hall full of women. Here is a simple way to plan one that feels effortless.
1. Choose your format
In person works in a home, a shul hall or a community room. Virtual works over Zoom, with everyone baking in her own kitchen.
2. Pick a date
Avoid Shabbat and Yom Tov (our wizard warns you). Weeknights and Thursdays work well, and Friday morning baking is popular.
3. Choose a group size
Choose a size that fits your space and your circle. Some hosts gather forty, a well-loved custom, but any number is beautiful.
4. Decide the dough plan
Everything supplied (you provide ingredients and everyone mixes), bring your own dough (braiding only, quicker), or bring ingredients (everyone makes her own).
5. Make a supplies list
The recipe scaler on every recipe gives you totals for your group.
6. Invite
Public bakes appear on challahbake.org. Private bakes use your link. Add a flyer and a logo if you are hosting for a shul or organization.
7. Plan the flow (about two hours)
- Welcome (10 minutes)
- Mix and knead (30)
- Separate challah together and say the blessing (10)
- Rise, with a short talk or story (30)
- Braid (20)
- Clean up and send everyone home with dough or loaves (20)
8. Tips for virtual bakes
- Send the recipe and ingredient list early, and again two days before.
- Ask everyone to measure ingredients before the call.
- Use a second device pointed at the bowl if you can.
- Have a backup plan for anyone without ingredients.
9. Follow up
Post a thank-you and photos on the bake page.
Checklist
Bowls, measuring cups, flour, yeast, aprons, trays, parchment, towels, egg wash, foil for the challah pieces, and name cards.
