The Power of Hafrashat Challah: How One Mitzvah Brings Blessing, Healing, and Miracles

The mitzvah of separating challah is one of the three special commandments given to women — lighting Shabbat candles, observing family purity, and separating challah.

During the time of the Beit HaMikdash, a portion of the challah was given to the Kohen. Today, after the Temple’s destruction, we continue separating challah as an expression of gratitude and appreciation to God for the gifts He gives us in life — livelihood, children, marriage, health, peace in the home, joy, and more.

“Reishit Arisoteichem” — “the first of your dough”, is the Torah’s description of challah. It teaches that the first portion, the best part, should be designated for God.

“Whoever Wants Blessing in Her Home Should Embrace This Mitzvah”

According to Rebbetzin Shoshana Malul, a kallah teacher and lecturer from Petach Tikva, every woman who wants to bring blessing into her home should insist on organizing challah-separation gatherings.

“It is written in the Torah that merit is brought through the meritorious,” she says. “This means that a woman who hosts a challah event in her home receives a tremendous merit. She becomes someone who brings spiritual merit to the public.

“Jewish women must understand that this is a powerful mitzvah whose spiritual force is limitless. Separating challah is like a direct phone line to the Creator of the world — and there is no ‘busy signal’ and no ‘call waiting’ with God. The prayers said during the mitzvah, and during the learning, reach the Heavenly Throne and work in places where other efforts are far less effective.”

Rebbetzin Malul emphasizes that the mitzvah is not only for religious women. Every woman in the world wants livelihood, peace in the home, health, or children — and therefore this mitzvah is universal, crossing communities and cultures.

Seventeen Years of Spreading the Mitzvah Worldwide

“For 17 years I’ve been involved in challah-separation events,” she says. “Hashem has given me the merit to spread this mitzvah in the United States, Uman, Vienna, and London.

The Power of a Woman’s Tears and Prayers

“Women are an extraordinary people with limitless spiritual potential. It is said that the final redemption will come in our merit. A woman’s prayers have immense power, and when they are accompanied by tears, they break through all barriers and dissolve every spiritual blockage.”

A Woman Who Fell Ill — and Found Strength Through Challah

“A woman was diagnosed with a dangerous illness. Her family organized a challah event in her merit. During the gathering, many women were inspired to accept small commitments — one strengthened herself in saying Asher Yatzar, another took on guarding her speech.

“The next day the sick woman called me and said, ‘It doesn’t matter what the doctors say — the challah event gave me strength. I feel healthy.’

“That evening gave her hope, joy, and the belief that she could overcome her struggle. That alone was a great salvation.”