Kids Corner
The Charlotte Jewish News- October 2026- Page 39
From Sourdough to Shabbat
By Sara Solar
I have officially fallen for the sourdough bread craze. I have a starter jar in my refrigerator, along with a discard jar. I plan my days around when I’ m going to bake. I’ ve invested in a kitchen scale, bannetons, and my Dutch oven has essentially become a bread factory. I no longer buy bread at the grocery store because, honestly, it just doesn’ t taste as good as homemade bread!
The best part? I make it myself, so I know exactly what goes into it: flour, water and salt. I aim
to bake one loaf a week. Sometimes I get fancy and make two smaller loaves, perhaps turning one into a cinnamon-raisin loaf. And this Rosh Hashanah, I decided to try my hand at sourdough challah. I just might not look back!
Bread – and specifically challah – has deep ritual and cultural significance in Jewish life. We place two challot on the Shabbat table, recite HaMotzi before eating the bread, and give thanks to God for“ bringing forth bread from the earth.” The tradition of challah also connects us to the biblical commandment of separating a portion of dough.
If you have never tried making your own bread, especially challah, I highly recommend it. And it’ s even more fun when you get the kids involved! Kneading dough can be both therapeutic and fun for kids as well as adults alike. There is something special about taking a few simple ingredients, getting your hands messy, and watching them transform into something you can share around the table.
And while you’ re waiting for the dough to rise, why not grab a book and read together? There are so many wonderful children’ s books about challah. A few of my favorites are:
•“ Challah!” by Varda Livney
•“ Koala Challah” by Laura Gehl
•“ Challah for Shabbat Tonight” by Sara Holly Ackerman
And guess what? PJ Library Charlotte has two upcoming events that are centered around bread!
So, whether your family prefers bagels, sourdough, or a beautifully braided challah, I hope you’ ll join us. Because some of the best Jewish memories start with a little flour on the counter, a good book nearby, and something delicious baking in the oven. I can’ t wait to see what you knead up!
Join me Sunday, Oct. 18, at 10 a. m. for Bagels at Beatty! We’ ll meet at Col. Beatty Park for a morning of climbing, swinging, sliding, fresh bagels, and the opportunity to connect with other PJ Library families.
If you’ re looking for a bit more guidance and encouragement to make your own challah, PJ Library Charlotte is teaming up with Temple Israel for Knead to be Thankful on Nov. 8 from 1:30 p. m. to 3 p. m. at Temple Israel. Together, we’ ll mix, knead and braid delicious challah together. Families will enjoy a fun, hands-on experience and leave with a beautiful, braided challah to bake at home to share
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with the people they love. Both events require registration. Please email me at sara. solar @ jewishcharlotte. org for more information and to register.
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