How To Shape a Menorah Challah

Say Happy Hanukkah with this cool shape for your Shabbat Challah.

Follow our favorite challah recipe through step 14. You'll need 2 to 3 pounds of challah dough to prepare this shape. We've included some step-by-step photos to help you out. And while we've used clay to represent the challah dough in the photos below, it will work with the real thing.

Step 1: Cut ball into 8 even pieces.

Step 2: Roll 4 slices into ropes, with 3 being the same length, and the 4th being slightly shorter.

Step 3: Push ropes close together, then form them into a bend, so that it looks like an upside down rainbow. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Take 1 of the remaining slices and roll it into a rope, slightly longer than the other ropes. Slightly bend it in half and twist the two ends together.

Step 5: Place the twist in the center of the upside down rainbow.

Step 6: Roll the 6th piece into a long rope. Bring the two ends in and place at the base of the menorah.

Step 7: Take remaining dough and roll into 9 small balls. Place at the top of the “candles”, and pinch the ends to look like flames.

Step 8: Set aside to rise while you preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 9: Bake for 10 minutes and then lower your oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until challah tops are dark golden brown.

Step 10: Remove from heat and let cool before showing off to all your friends and family.  

Take a photo and share it with us in the comments below or on Facebook and Instagram. We can't wait to see your version.