Challah Tray 925 Sterling Silver Floral Border — approx. 51 × 41 cm

The rim of this tray tells a story that others do not: elaborately crafted blossoms sit close together between tendrils, spanning the entire width of the rim. It is the largest of the four – and the one where you pause for a moment when clearing it, because the surface still looks impressive even when empty.

At a Glance

• Challah tray made of 925 sterling silver
• 51 × 41 cm – silver weight approx. 1,450 g
• Oval base shape with lobed contour
• Wide rim with densely chased blossom and tendril ornament
• Two braided challot in relief, two Hebrew lines
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua – Manufacture since 1948

What the Size Changes

51 × 41 cm is more than two loaves need. That's exactly the point: On a large surface, the challot lie in the middle instead of filling it – and the inscription all around remains legible even when the bread is on it. On more sparingly sized trays, it disappears underneath.

For a long table, this is the appropriate size. On a table for four people, it becomes the dominant piece.

Blossoms Instead of Foliage

Most rims from this manufacturer feature acanthus – that leaf motif invented in antiquity. Here, it is blossoms: round, fully elaborated, placed at regular intervals between the tendrils. The difference is between a pattern and a garden. Foliage guides the eye further, blossoms hold it.

Why Two Loaves

The two loaves are called Lechem Mishneh. The common interpretation refers to the double portion of manna that fell in the desert on Friday so that it did not have to be collected on Shabbat. After the blessing, it is broken and dipped in salt.

Material

Densely chased ornament over a rim of this width requires a wall that can withstand the punch strokes. The more strokes on the same surface, the sooner thin material gives way – at 1,450 grams on 51 × 41 cm, the sheet is strong enough that every stroke sits where it belongs. A plating on base metal would tear extensively at this density. The Italian hallmark indicates the material.

What It Fits For

For two challot of any usual size, even for particularly long loaves. The Hebrew inscription defines the piece for its purpose – it is not a serving tray that occasionally also carries bread.

Smaller and rectangular is the hammered tray; simpler is the tray with a gadroon rim. With an even more strongly relieved rim, there is the tray with applied appliques.

As a Gift

A piece of this magnitude is given for occasions that themselves carry weight – a wedding, the inauguration of a house, a significant anniversary. It comes to the table every Friday evening, and for decades.

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

Care

By hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Remove crumbs and salt residues after each use – salt corrodes silver and leaves stains that cannot be polished away. For the blossom ornament, use a soft brush; in the depressions, the darker depth may remain, it makes the relief more vivid. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is written on the tray?

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

Does it fit in a normal cabinet?

At 51 × 41 cm, often not. Before purchasing, it is worthwhile to measure the compartment where it is intended to lie.

Is a challah cover included?

No, the tray is supplied without a cover.

Solid or silver-plated?

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

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer.

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Further pieces in the category Judaica made of 925 silver as well as in Table Silver.