Challah tray, 925 sterling silver, hammered — approx. 43 × 35 cm

All other challah trays from this manufacturer are oval. This one is rectangular—and that's not a matter of style, but practicality: Two elongated loaves side-by-side form a rectangle, not an oval. Anyone who has ever placed two challot on a round plate knows the empty corners.

At a glance

• Challah tray made of 925 sterling silver
• 43 × 35 cm — silver weight approx. 1,375 g
• Rectangular basic shape with curved side edges
• Edge hammered by hand, mirror smooth and polished
• Two braided challot in relief, two Hebrew lines
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacturer since 1948

The hammered edge

The hammer blows are not just for decoration. Hammering compacts the silver—a hammered surface is stronger than a smooth one of the same thickness. On a tray that is regularly carried, this reinforcement is exactly where it is needed: on the edge that you touch.

The second effect is optical. The hammered edge scatters light, the polished mirror reflects it. The loaves in relief therefore lie on a calm surface, framed by a lively one—exactly the opposite of chiseled trays, where the edge tells the story.

Why two loaves

The two loaves are called Lechem Mischne, double bread; the widespread interpretation refers to the double portion of manna that fell in the desert on Friday. They are covered until the blessing over the wine is spoken—that's why they lie visible on the table for a while, and that's why they get their own utensil.

Material

The hammer blows themselves are proof: A punch mark on silver-plated sheet metal detaches the plating from the base metal. What is visible as a surface here can only have been created in solid silver. At 1,375 grams, the tray also has the weight that a plate of this size needs to prevent it from warping when carried. The Italian hallmark indicates the material.

What it fits for

For two challot of usual size. At 43 × 35 cm, it is the most compact of the four—made for tables where candlesticks, cups, and place settings also need to fit alongside the bread.

More oval and simpler is the tray with a gadrooned edge; larger and chiseled is the tray with a floral edge.

As a gift

Hammered silver is the choice for someone who finds historicizing ornamentation too much. It looks artisanal rather than representative—and thus fits into households where nothing else chiseled stands.

An engraving is possible on the back; the front already has text. We will advise you in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilverVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, currently free of charge.

Care

By hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. No dishwasher. Remove crumbs and salt residues after each use—salt corrodes silver. Do not polish the hammered edge to a high shine: The small indentations may remain darker, otherwise the structure will disappear. More in the guide on caring for silver cutlery and silverware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hammer pattern the same on every piece?

No. The blows are made by hand—two trays are similar, but never identical.

What is written on the tray?

Two Hebrew lines in relief. We clarify the exact text version upon request from the manufacturer—we prefer not to provide a translation rather than an inaccurate one.

Do two large challot fit on it?

At 43 × 35 cm, yes, for loaves of usual size. For particularly long loaves, measuring beforehand is worthwhile—then the 51 × 41 cm tray is the safer choice.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver with 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.