Challah Tray 925 Silver with Appliques — approx. 53 × 41 cm

The rim of this tray is not chased, but constructed. At four points are cast floral bouquets that protrude plastically over the surface—separately crafted, applied, soldered. This is the most elaborate construction method Zaramella knows for trays, and it is the reason this piece looks different from everything else in the series.

At a Glance

• Challah tray made of 925 sterling silver
• 53 × 41 cm — silver weight approx. 1,500 g
• Oval basic shape, recessed mirror with raised cartouches
• Rim with four cast and applied floral bouquets
• Two braided challot in relief, two Hebrew lines
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Why Applied Instead of Chased

A relief that is chased from sheet metal can only be as high as the material can stretch—eventually, it tears. An applied casting does not know this limit. It is cast to its full depth and then joined to the surface. That's why the bouquets here protrude further than any chased ornament ever could.

The price for this is labor: casting four parts, reworking them, positioning them exactly, soldering, grinding the seam until it disappears. One should not feel it when running a finger over the transition.

The Recessed Mirror

Unlike flat trays, the surface with the loaves here is lower than the rim. This has a practical reason: Crumbs remain in the recess instead of migrating onto the tablecloth. And the raised cartouches with the inscription stand out more clearly from the recessed ground than from a flat surface.

Why Two Loaves

The two loaves are called Lechem Mishneh, double bread. The common interpretation refers to the double portion of manna in the desert that fell on Friday. The challot are covered until the blessing over the wine is spoken, then broken and dipped in salt.

Material

Casting and sheet metal only solder together if both are made of the same metal. With silver-plated goods, two coatings would meet at the seam, and the heat of soldering would detach both from the base metal — the connection would remain visible. With solid silver, it disappears. The four bouquets are themselves proof that nothing here is silver-plated. The Italian hallmark of the manufacturer also indicates this.

What it's Suitable For

For two challot of any size. At 53 × 41 cm and 1.5 kilograms of silver, it is the largest and heaviest of the four — a piece for a table where it should be seen.

Chiselled instead of applied, and slightly smaller, is the tray with a floral rim; significantly more understated is the tray with a gadroon rim.

As a Gift

This is the piece for an occasion where a gift should last — a wedding, the founding of a household, a major anniversary. It is not put away and forgotten, but used every week.

An engraving is possible on the back; the front already bears writing and ornament. We advise in advance on placement and size. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care

Hand wash with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Remove crumbs and salt residues after each use — salt attacks silver. Work around the applied bouquets with a soft brush and do not pull on them; in the deep areas, the darker tone can remain, it gives the relief its depth. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver dinnerware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the floral bouquets stable?

Yes, they are soldered, not glued or attached. However, one should still not pull on them when cleaning.

What is written on the tray?

Two Hebrew lines in relief, in raised cartouches above and below the loaves. We will clarify the exact text with the manufacturer upon request — we prefer not to provide a translation rather than an inaccurate one.

Why is it more expensive than the chased trays?

Because of the construction method. Applying four separately cast parts and making the seams invisible is more work than chasing an ornament into the surface.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with an Italian hallmark. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Does it come in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Other pieces in the category Judaica in 925 Silver as well as in Table Silver.