Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Sept. 22 and runs through sundown on Sept. 24. Though holiday menus can vary from table to table, one tradition is always the centerpiece: round challah.
Unlike the braided loaves eaten on Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah challah is coiled into a circle to symbolize continuity and the cycle of the year, and it’s often sweetened with raisins and honey to evoke the wish for a sweet year to come.
Here are three Twin Cities bakeries where you can find round challah for your holiday celebrations.
Cecil’s
The famous Jewish delicatessen has been serving Highland Park for three-quarters of a century, and its market is an atmospheric stop for all the groceries you need for your holiday table, from New York-imported babka to jars of pickled herring. In the bakery case, you’ll find the essential round challah for the New Year, which comes plain, sesame or with raisins. Prices are still being set.
651 Cleveland Av. S., St. Paul, cecilsdeli.com
Razava Bread Co.
With a strong focus on sourdough and both New York- and Middle Eastern-style breads, Razava Bread Co. might be the newest kosher bakery on the Twin Cities scene, but its history goes back to the Baldinger family’s St. Paul bakery in 1888. Today, head baker Omri Zin-Tamir is braiding sourdough challah; you can even sign up for a weekly subscription for the regular loaves, or order a round challah for pickup on Sept. 22 ($17).
685 Grand Av., St. Paul, razavabread.co
Breadsmith
This certified Kosher bakery, with three metro locations, is a reliable challah purveyor all year long. Starting the Friday before Rosh Hashanah, circular challah will be available, and production will ramp up over the weekend for the round loaves in all three flavors: vanilla egg, honey and raisin. Available in two sizes, prices start at $7.29. Pre-ordering is recommended.
