Miriam’s daughter Aviva makes her own tiny schlissel challah
Hi, my name is Miriam, I’m an Orthodox Jew, and I share what my life is like. Today, I invite you to learn about a special custom followed by many Jewish families, including mine: baking a schlissel challah for the first Shabbat after Passover.
What is Schlissel Challah?
A schlissel (Yiddish for “key”) challah is a loaf of challah that has a key hidden inside of it. Some people actually mold their challah loaf in the shape of a key, while others insist that the challah must have sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
I grew up making braided challah with a key wrapped in aluminum foil inside it. Why do we do this? It’s said that making schlissel challah is a “segulah for Parnassah,” something special we do to bring good fortune.
We create this special loaf for the Shabbat after Passover for a few reasons. It reminds us of the manna that fell from heaven during Iyar, the Hebrew month that begins after Passover. The key — the challah’s shape or a real one tucked into the dough — is meant to unlock good fortune for the year.
Why Do I Share These Traditions With My Children?
Every week for Shabbos, I bake challah with my children. I love passing on this tradition and sharing my love of Judaism with them. Sometimes, followers ask me, “What if your daughters don’t want to keep the same traditions when they grow up?” To that I respond, “My love for my children is not conditional. I would love for my girls to be practicing Jews as they grow up, but that’s not my choice to make. I am Jewish by heritage and religious by choice, and I want my children to have that same choice.” (And they may even choose to be more religious than I am!)
One of the foundations of my online platform and social media presence is being a source of love and acceptance for my followers. It would be pretty weird for me not to extend that to my own children. My hope is that in raising them as I do and sharing traditions, experiences, and a faith that I love, I will instill a lifetime of beautiful, positive memories and love of Judaism in each of them.
About the Author
Miriam Ezagui is a labor and delivery nurse, a childbirth educator, and a mom of five. On her popular social media accounts, she shares what her life is like as an Orthodox Jewish woman and a busy working mom. Known for her warm demeanor, engaging videos, and storytime-style content, Miriam has amassed millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
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April 16, 2025