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Hafrashat Challah Guide
The mitzvah originates in Numbers 15:18–21, when a portion of dough was given to the Kohen in Temple times. Today we separate in remembrance, burning it wrapped in foil at the oven bottom or discarding it respectfully.
Which dough?
Dough intended for baking from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt.
How much flour?
1.2 kg: separate without a blessing. 1.666 kg: with a blessing. Per Rabbi Chaim Naeh; the Chazon Ish opinion also exists.
Forgot?
Group the baked loaves together, cover them, and separate from one for all.
Order of Hafrashat Challah
After mixing, kneading or rising—and before dividing—separate a kezayit, about 27 cm³.
Lift the portion and recite the blessing according to your custom.
Declare: Harei Zo Challah. Wrap in foil and burn at the bottom of the oven, or discard respectfully.
The blessings
יהי רצון
This is an auspicious moment for personal prayer—add the requests of your heart.
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, שֶׁמִּצְוַת הַפְרָשַׁת חַלָּה תֵּחָשֵׁב לִי כְּאִלּוּ קִיַּמְתִּיהָ בְּכָל פְּרָטֶיהָ וְדִקְדּוּקֶיהָ, וּתְהֵא נֶחְשֶׁבֶת הֲרָמַת הַחַלָּה שֶׁאֲנִי מְרִימָה כְּמוֹ הַקָּרְבָּן שֶׁהֻקְרַב עַל גַּבֵּי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ בְּרָצוֹן.
Yehi ratzon milfanecha, Adonai Eloheinu v’Elohei avoteinu, shemitzvat hafrashat challah teichashev li k’ilu kiyamtiha b’chol perateha v’dikdukeha...
May it be Your will that the mitzvah of separating challah be considered as though I fulfilled it in every detail, and may this portion be accepted with favor like an offering upon the altar.
Halachic content certified by HaRav Shlomo Sobol