Pepperdine Caruso Law Students Prepare Challah Loaves for Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, begins this year at sundown on Sunday, September 25 and continues through nightfall on September 27. Literally meaning “head of the year,” the two-day holiday commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday.

In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, Caruso Law students came together on the patio and rolled up their sleeves to shape the traditional round Challah loaves, symbolizing the circle of life as we prayed and asked for blessings for a sweet and healthy new year.

Challah in its more widely-known usage refers to a braided bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat and other holidays, and is considered one of the most famous Jewish foods. But in its more basic, biblical meaning, challah is the piece of dough that is traditionally separated and consecrated to G-d while baking bread, a custom that has been performed by Jewish people for more than 100 generations.

Students found the experience to be very meaningful and also lots of fun! It was special to be able to connect and get ready just before this auspicious time.