On Shabbat, according to custom, two whole loaves of challah (braided egg bread), are set on the table with an ornate cover while the blessings over the candles and wine are being recited.  After a ritual hand washing, everyone returns to the table humming a niggun (a song without words).  When everyone is ready the hamotzi (blessing over bread) is recited.  Salt is sprinkled on the challah as a reminder of less fortunate times, then pieces of the bread are served to all present at the table.

Ben-Or challah covers are made from a variety of cotton prints, batiks, lamés and ribbons.  Strips of fabrics are artfully combined on the center of the challah cover.  We also place the decorative strips near the sides to make room in the center for an occasional quilted magen david or magen david made of silver or gold ribbon.  All challah covers are lined with a coordinating fabric. 

  Click on an image to see a more detailed view.

This challah cover features a golden batik set off with strips of a multi-colored batik and a "groovy swirly" print. The bright colors are highlighted by a gold ribbon down the center. [CCover1]	The print on this challah cover resembles a rich golden/red tapestry. It is highlighted by strips of a maroon batik, a horizontally striped maroon/gold print and a gold ribbon. [CCover2]	This crystal-like blue print is highlighted with strips of blue/gold/fuchsia paisley and solid royal blue fabric.  A gold ribbon runs down the center. [CCover6]	This slate blue challah cover features strips of a silvery blue/brown leaf print and silver lamé down the center. [CCover4]
A lavender tapestry-like print, horizontally striped maroon/gold print and a geometrical maroon/ purple/gold print stand out against a purple polka dot background. This challah cover is whimsical, but also elegant. [CCover3]	This is an example of how your memorable fabric leftovers can be made into a Judaic treasure.  This challah cover features peach fabric and ivory lace from wedding dress scraps.  It is set off by a peach lamé and a thin gold ribbon. [CCover8]	This challah cover is the same as the above but with a silver ribbon down the center. [CCover7]	This royal blue fabric is highlighted with blue/gold/ fuchsia paisley and strips of silver lamé. [CCover5]