Virtual Challah Baking

If you've never smelled challah in the oven, you're in for a treat. We will be covering the basics of challah making, a staple of Jewish culture, starting with a short introduction of its historical beginnings and significance, and then moving to making the dough (no experience required for this course at all!).

We will break for an hour to allow your dough to rise, then meet back up to braid together, learn about each other, add optional flavors (chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, raisin, or sundried tomato and basil) to your challah, and then bake them.

When you're finished, you will have two beautifully baked, delicious challahs, a kitchen that smells fantastic, a few yiddish sayings under your belt, and a newfound skill.

The structure of the class is flexible, so if you have questions, thoughts, or topics of conversation, they are always welcome!

Materials Needed to Fully Participate:

• 1.5 tablespoons of dry active yeast
• 1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (common sugar)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 5 large eggs
• 1 tbsp table salt
• 9 cups all purpose flour
• Optional: semisweet chocolate chips, cinnamon and extra sugar, raisins, sundried tomato and basil

About the Instructor:

I am a Jewish undergraduate student at Tufts University who can be found debating foreign policy if I'm not knitting, already talking about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or singing Jewish acapella. I've been making challah for years, but most recently through Challah for Hunger, a national organization with chapters at colleges that make, bake, and sell challah to fight hunger. I love history and am happy to add to our course by giving some religious and cultural background about challah and its origins. And, of course, I'm always happy to play Jewish geography. I can't wait to get braiding!

Virtual Class FAQ

What will be included in my Virtual Class package?

One ticket includes an access link to your live, online class. The class will be delivered via web conferencing software and feature a live, professional instructor who will walk you through a lesson as described above. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as participate from home.

How many people is my purchase good for?

Each ticket is good for one "device" (i.e. one computer, phone, tablet, etc. you'll be logging in from). This ensures we don't get more people in the class than the instructor can handle. Though we understand some people live together and will be working/learning together, the intent is that each class still allows for the same attention to attendees as if students purchased separately. Please be respectful of this!

Will I need anything from home to use in the class?

You will need a reliable Internet connection as well as a computer or device with which you can access your virtual class. We recommend you arrive to class 5-10 minutes early to ensure you're able to set up your device and connection. Additionally, if the class is more than just a lecture you will likely want any materials listed in the course description as "Materials Needed to Participate Fully", though you're welcome to purchase a seat and sit in and just watch.

Am I able to ask questions or interact with the class?

Yes, you'll both be able to ask questions using the chat function in the video hosting software as well as at certain intervals during the class via voice/audio. If the class winds up being on the smaller side, more spontaneous interaction/questions will be encouraged.


Do I have to show my video or speak during class?

While we recommend you do show your video and speak when encouraged to by the instructor, video and audio participation are never mandatory. We find classes have more fun experiences when people are engaging with one another, but understand not everyone will want to do so and that's ok!