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 is not a question of style, but of practicality: Two elongated loaves side by side form a rectangle, not an oval. Anyone who has ever placed two challot on a round tray knows about the empty corners that are left over.

At a glance

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

The hammered rim

The marks are not just for decoration. Hammering compresses the silver — a hammered surface is firmer than a smooth one of the same thickness. For a tray that is carried regularly, this reinforcement is exactly where it is needed: on the rim that you hold.

The second effect is visual. The hammered rim scatters the light, while the polished center reflects it. The loaves in relief thus lie in a calm area, framed by a dynamic one — the exact opposite of chased trays, where the rim tells the story.

Why two loaves

The two loaves are called Lechem Mishneh, double bread; the common interpretation refers to the double portion of manna that fell in the desert on Friday. They are kept covered until the blessing over the wine has been recited — which is why they lie visible on the table for a while, and why they receive their own special item.

Material

The hammer strikes themselves are the proof: A punch strike on silver-plated sheet metal would cause the plating to detach from the base metal. What can be seen as the surface here could only have been created in solid silver. With 1,375 grams, the tray also has the weight needed for a plate of this size to avoid warping when being carried.

What it fits

For two challot of standard size. At 43 × 35 cm, it is the most compact of the four — made for tables where there must also be room for candlesticks, cups, and place settings next to the bread.

The tray with gadrooned edge is oval and simpler; the tray with floral edge is larger and chased.

As a gift

Hammered silver is the choice for someone who finds historicizing ornament too much. It appears calm rather than representative — and thus fits into households where there is otherwise nothing chased.

An engraving is possible on the back; the front already bears text. We provide consultation in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

Clean by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. Do not use a dishwasher. Remove crumbs and salt residues after every use — salt attacks silver. Do not polish the hammered rim to a high gloss: the small depressions should remain darker, otherwise the structure will disappear. More in the guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hammer pattern the same on every piece?

No. The strikes are applied by hand — two trays are similar to each other, but never identical.

What does it say on the tray?

Two lines of Hebrew text in relief. We clarify the exact wording in consultation with the manufacturer — we prefer not to provide a translation than an inaccurate one.

Do two large challot fit on it?

Yes, at 43 × 35 cm, for loaves of standard size. For particularly long loaves, measuring beforehand is worthwhile — in that case, the 51 × 41 cm tray is the safe choice.

Solid or silver-plated?

Solid 925 sterling silver, hallmarked. 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 in 925 silver as well as in table silver.