Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide

Challah
On Shabbat, we put two loaves of challah on the table in remembrance of the double
portion of manna that the Israelites received every Friday in the wilderness (Exodus
16:5). We wash our hands and say the blessing netilat yada’yim (which is discussed
earlier in this section of the Vison) and then, without talking or waiting too long, we say
ha’motzi and eat the challah.
During the week, when we begin a meal we say ha’motzi first, but on Shabbat we say it
after kiddush. That’s why we cover the challah on Shabbat. We don’t want to show a lack
of respect to the challah, which is used to being first.
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Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam, ha’motzi lechem min ha’aretz.
Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe who brings forth bread from the
earth.
With rituals and song, tasty food and good friends, early childhood educators have an
amazing chance to begin to instill the beauty of Shabbat in their young students, as well
as in their parents.
Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide
USCJ Department of Education
Maxine Handelman
Handelman@uscj.org
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