To set aside a portion of dough for a Kohen

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 385) explains that separating Challah strengthens faith by teaching that even the bread we bake at home is a gift from Hashem. Recognizing Him in our sustenance deepens trust in His providence.

Gratitude – הוֹדָיָה

• Rashi (Numbers 15:20) compares Challah to Terumah, showing it as an act of thanksgiving. Just as we give from the harvest in the field, so too we give thanks at the table, where the fruits of the field become bread.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 5:1) states that the portion separated is holy, belonging to the Kohen. This transforms ordinary dough into sacred food, sanctifying the act of bread-making itself.

Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת

• Talmud (Challah 2:7) lists the grains requiring Challah, linking the mitzvah directly to the agricultural cycle. The mitzvah shows that agricultural produce remains under Divine command until the very end — when it becomes bread.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Rambam notes that the full mitzvah is a Torah obligation only in Israel. In the Diaspora, it is rabbinic, kept to maintain the bond with the Land and its sanctity.

Priests – כֹּהֲנִים

• The Torah designates Challah for the Kohanim, who represent sanctity among Israel. Giving them this portion supports their service and maintains their holy role.

Blessing – בְּרָכָה

• The blessing recited when separating Challah turns the act into worship: “Baruch Atah… asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hafrish Challah.” It highlights that blessing comes through Hashem’s command.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• In Temple times, Challah created a direct connection between households and the Kohanim, weaving community life around shared sanctity and provision.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Sefer HaChinuch stresses that the mitzvah instills humility and reverence, reminding us that bread — life’s staple — is not ours alone, but consecrated by Hashem’s command.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• The mitzvah is primarily directed to Hashem, showing obedience by consecrating daily food. It elevates mundane life into Divine service.