Made of elegant heavy brocade fabric, this challah cover
combines the holiness of Shabbat and the Seven Species, which the Torah named
as staple foods in the Holy Land of Israel. The center of the challah cover
entails colorful embroidery of the seven; Wheat, barley, grapes, figs,
pomegranates, olives and dates. The Hebrew words “Vayivarech et yom
ha’shivi’ee”, which means “and He blessed the seventh day” are embroidered in the
upper arch, while the bottom half of the circle consists of the Hebrew words “Shivat
haminim shenitvacha bahem Eretz Yisrael”, “the Seven Species that Israel was
blessed with”. The edges are finished with twisted tassels.
The challah cover is one of the few traditional and distinct
table setting items that characterizes a set Shabbat and Jewish holiday table.
The challah cover, as its name suggests, is used to cover the challahs while
the Kiddush is being recited. A special designed challah cover adds glory to
the Shabbat and holiday table.