Challah Plate 925 Sterling Silver Signature — approx. 48.5×36 cm

Two braided breads in relief and two surrounding Hebrew lines: This platter shows what it is made for without needing to be asked. On Shabbat, two challot lie on the table — the common interpretation refers to the double portion of manna that fell to the people in the desert on Friday.

At a glance

• Challah platter made of 925 sterling silver
• Dimensions approx. 48.5 × 36 cm — silver weight approx. 1.11 kg
• Two braided breads in relief, worked in the center
• Two surrounding Hebrew lines: Shabbat commandment and bread blessing
• Border with chased grape and vine ornament
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufacture since 1948

Why two breads

On Shabbat, there are always two braided breads on the table, never one. They are called Lechem Mishneh, "double bread," and commemorate the double portion of manna collected in the desert on the sixth day — enough for Friday and Shabbat, when none was collected.

The two breads also stand for two words: Zachor and Shamor — "Remember" and "Observe." This is how the Shabbat commandment begins in its two handed-down versions.

That is why there are two breads worked onto this platter and not one. It is not a decorative motif, but a counting.

The two lines

Two Hebrew inscriptions run around the relief. One incorporates the Shabbat commandment — "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." The other, the bread blessing, in Hebrew HaMotzi: "...who brings forth bread from the earth."

Thus, the platter bears the two sentences that are spoken at this point in the evening. It is not just a base, but part of the ritual — like the Seder plate at Passover, which bears the names of its foods.

The cloth

The challot remain covered until after the blessing, usually under their own cloth. This too goes back to the manna: It lay between two layers of dew — the tablecloth represents the lower one, the challah cover the upper one.

The platter is built accordingly. Its surface is level enough for a cloth to lie flat over it, and the edge is kept low so that it does not rest on it or slip off.

The size

Approx. 48.5 × 36 cm is generous — two full-sized challot need space, and they should lie side by side, not on top of each other. The oval shape picks up the elongated form of the braided breads; a round platter would waste space at the ends.

At approx. 1.11 kg, it rests firmly on the table, even when pressure is applied to one side during cutting.

Material and origin

For a piece that is passed down through generations, the difference compared to silver-plated goods is decisive: A coating wears off, solid silver does not. It can be polished again and again, and the ornament — which can only be chased in solid silver — remains intact.

Zaramella Argenti has been manufacturing in Padua since 1948. The border bears a densely chased band of grapes and vines — driven into the silver by hand with punches. The breads in the center are worked in relief, with a recognizable braided pattern.

As a gift

For a wedding, when a household is being established and celebrating Shabbat for the first time. A challah platter is one of the first pieces needed — unlike utensils for individual holidays, it is on the table every week.

For a housewarming, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. And as a gift for hosts who invite guests regularly: whoever gives this shows that they know the order of events.

Engraving

The smooth border between the relief and the ornamental band can accommodate a dedication. Because the platter already bears two Hebrew lines, we recommend a restrained engraving — a date, a name — instead of another long line. We will coordinate this with you in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

By hand with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly — including inside the letters and the braided pattern of the breads. No dishwasher: cleaning salts attack silver. Remove crumbs and salt quickly; salt attacks silver, and it is usually readily available at the Shabbat table. Tarnishing is reversible with a silver cloth; the darker depth may remain in the letters and indentations — that is what makes the script readable. More in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Why are two breads depicted?

On Shabbat, there are always two challot on the table — Lechem Mishneh, the double bread. It commemorates the double manna portion on the sixth day and stands for "Remember" and "Observe."

What do the Hebrew lines say?

One incorporates the Shabbat commandment, the other the HaMotzi bread blessing — the two sentences spoken at this moment.

Do two large challot fit on it?

Yes. At approx. 48.5 × 36 cm, two full-sized breads lie side by side.

Can I lay a cloth over it?

Yes, that is what the platter is built for: a level surface and a low edge so that the cloth lies flat.

What belongs on the same table?

A Kiddush cup for the blessing over the wine, the Netilat vessel for hand washing, and candlesticks, which traditionally stand in pairs.

Is it delivered in a gift box?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufacture.

Is it kosher?

We carry silver utensils and describe their use — we cannot provide religious legal advice. Questions regarding ritual suitability should be answered by your congregation.

What belongs on the same table

The challah platter holds the two braided breads over which the blessing is spoken at the start of the Shabbat meal. At approx. 48.5×36 cm, it is designed for two large loaves.

The same place setting includes:

• a Kiddush cup for the blessing over the wine — or the set consisting of a cup and plate
• the Netilat vessel for hand washing before the bread
• a candlestick, traditionally set up in pairs

For the Seder night at Passover, the Seder plate and the cup of Elijah are added. The complete selection can be found under Judaica in 925 silver.

A challah platter is used weekly and therefore does not need to be stored away. On a sideboard or console table, it lies as a flat silver object between Shabbat evenings — the Hebrew line on the border and the depiction of the two breads make it something worth looking at even when empty.

You might also be interested in

Further ritual objects in the Judaica in 925 silver category, the entire line under Signature by Zaramella. Why two breads lie on the table can be found in Silver at the Jewish table.