How to make challah

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Begin with the biggest bowl you have,

let it be large enough to contain your whole week.

You will need to wrestle with angels.

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Begin in the place of knowing,

the place that venerates.

Summon stillness, kavannah.

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In the smallest nesting bowl,

proof the yeast in lukewarm water.

Remember that you are proof.

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Let the fragrance of yeast envelop you,

rain, wet earth, fecund.

Now, trust.

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Measure 7 or 8 cups of flour,

challah is not precise.

Notice the flour cloud.

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Make a well.

A deep well to contain the grief.

Pour the yeast water into the well.

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Let it seep in.

Add 3 eggs and 3 tablespoons of oil.

Take off your rings.

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Plunge.

Pound.

Let the dough silence your rage.

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Pour yourself into the challah,

filament and fractal

fingertip and phial.

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Now walk away.

Give it a few hours to grow.

Let it rise.

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When you return, let the growth surprise you.

Add raisins, golden and black.

Summon helpers to braid.

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Take a tiny marble of dough,

set it apart

to recall loss, sadness.

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Braid as if this is your last act.

Round, double braid, single braid.

Trust completely, irrevocably, let go.

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After the braids have doubled in size,

entrust them to the oven

under a coat of egg wash.

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Let the aroma

permeate your village

with the smell of rest and kindness.

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Bring forth the challah

with both hands

Let the heat radiate.

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Just as the poet unleashes the poem,

so will you clear a path

towards home.