Happy Birthday, Jacob!
When I think of you, I think of braids. And, so, in that spirit, I send
you a message
of peace that you can eat.
"Braided ones, which may have three, four, or six strands, are the most
common, and because
they look like arms intertwined, symbolize love.
Three braids symbolize truth, peace, and justice. Twelve humps from two
small
or one large braided bread recall the miracle of the 12 loaves
for the 12 tribes of Israel. Round loaves, "where there
is no beginning and
no end," are baked for Rosh Hashanah to symbolize continuity.
Ladder and hand shapes are served
at the meal before the fast of Yom
Kippur-the ladder signifying that we should ascend to great heights,
the hand that
we may be inscribed for a good year. On Purim, small triangular loaves symbolize Haman's ears; at Shavuot, two
oblongs
side by side represent the Tablets of the Law. The bulkah is a
segmented rectangular challah. Sweet challahs with honey
or raisins are
baked during the festive season to bring joy and happiness."
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/culture/food/Overview_Ashkenazi_Cuisine/German_Beginnings/Food_Hallah_Roden.htm
http://www.primeline-america.com/addison/"This Shabbat hallah cover was lovingly crafted by Marianna Kirschstein, who proudly embroidered her name
on her handiwork. Marianna was the wife of Salli
Kirschstein, a Berlin businessman who owned an extensive collection of
over
6000 objects related to Jewish life.
http://www.skirball.com/Visions/pages/holiday/holiday.html Max sends his love too.
http://www.maxgimblett.com.
Wish we could be there to celebrate with you in person.
