Challah Tray .925 Silver Gadrooned Rim — approx. 48 × 39 cm

Two braided loaves of bread lie on the table for Shabbat. The reason they have their own tray only becomes clear when you know the ritual: the challot are covered until the blessing over the wine has been recited. They lie there for a while, visible to everyone and without a plate underneath them.

At a glance

• Challah tray made of 925 sterling silver
• 48 × 39 cm — silver weight approx. 875 g
• Oval base shape with a lobed contour
• Gadrooned edge: diagonally twisted ribs, encircling
• Two braided challot in relief, two lines of Hebrew
• Zaramella Argenti, Padua — manufactory since 1948

Why two loaves

The two loaves are called Lechem Mishneh, double bread. The common interpretation refers to the wandering in the desert: a double portion of manna fell on Friday so that there was no need to gather it on Shabbat. The relief therefore shows two loaves, never one and never three.

After the blessing, the bread is broken and dipped in salt — a reminder of the Temple service, where every offering was salted.

The gadrooned edge

Gadroons are diagonally twisted ribs that encircle the edge. They are not created by chasing, but by raising over a mold — the sheet metal is pressed into the ribbing, with each one finished by hand. The technique is older than the delicate floral ornament found on other trays in this series, and it has a different effect: not narrative, but rhythmic.

Among the challah trays from this manufactory, this one is the most understated. If you are looking for a piece that showcases the bread rather than itself, you will find it here.

Material

A gadrooned edge requires material that can be extensively reshaped without tearing. Each rib pulls the sheet metal beyond its yield point at a narrow edge — a layer on a base metal would flake off exactly where the deformation is strongest. Solid silver withstands this and can subsequently be polished over generations.

What it is suitable for

For two challot of standard size; at 48 × 39 cm, there is room left over for the knife and salt shaker. Anyone wanting to use the tray during the week should know: The Hebrew inscription makes it a dedicated piece — unlike a plain serving platter, it cannot be repurposed at will.

The tray with a floral rim is larger and more elaborately chased; the hammered tray is rectangular and has a hammered edge.

As a gift

A challah tray is given as a wedding gift, for a housewarming, or for a bar or bat mitzvah. It is a piece that is used every week — not just once a year like a Seder plate, but every Friday evening.

Engraving is possible on the back; the front already bears an inscription. We will be happy to advise you on placement and size in advance. Upon request, we will include a SilberVerse card, 15 × 10 cm, free of charge.

Care

Hand-wash with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. Do not put in the dishwasher. Remove crumbs and salt residue after each use — salt corrodes silver and leaves stains that cannot be polished away. Use a soft brush to clean the gadroons. Learn more in our guide on the care of silver cutlery and silver tableware.

Frequently asked questions

What is written on the tray?

Two lines of Hebrew in relief, positioned above and below the bread. We are happy to clarify the exact text with the manufactory — we would rather not provide a translation than an inaccurate one.

Is a challah cover included?

No, the tray is delivered without a cover.

Can it also be used for secular purposes?

The inscription gives it a specific purpose. For a serving platter without symbols, we offer our silver trays.

Solid or silver-plated?

Made entirely of 925 sterling silver and hallmarked. We do not carry silver-plated goods.

Is it delivered in gift packaging?

Yes, in high-quality packaging from the manufactory.

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Other pieces in the category Judaica in 925 silver as well as in table silver.