Time to Enjoy Shlissel Challah and Your Israel Home Design

With the Passover dishes packed away and life settling back into its familiar rhythm, I’m already in the kitchen baking Shlissel Challah—key challah—for the first Shabbat after Pesach.

Shlissel Challah represents opening the gates of blessing, opportunity, and good fortune. Since Nissan is considered the first month of the Jewish year according to the Torah, it seems fitting to begin with prayers for parnassa—livelihood and abundance.

Every year, I bake a big key-shaped challah for my family. This year, I’m also making a batch for our brave soldiers. Just imagine the joy of sharing that fresh, home-baked challah, knowing it carries wishes for health, happiness, and success.

As I knead the dough, I’ll think about all the blessings I want to bring into my home and the homes of those I love.

I always sprinkle sesame seeds on top because my kids love them.  Sometimes I’ll mix in sunflower, poppy, flax, or chia seeds.  It’s those personal touches that make it feel special, just like adding your own style to your home.

Designing your home is a lot like baking challah: you add your own flavor, your own taste, and little details that make a space truly yours.

From challah keys to new home keys

A challah shaped like a key opens us to a good year ahead and reminds me of that incredible moment when you receive the keys to your home in Israel.  A new home full of possibilities.

Designing a home in Eretz Yisrael is a huge step. It’s a new beginning, a chance to build memories, share good times, and fill your home with love.

Be sure to design your kitchen with space for baking challah with your children or grandchildren. Picture little hands deep in dough, flour smudges on their cheeks, laughter and concentration as they roll and braid. 

You can almost smell that divine aroma of freshly baked challah filling your home.

Whether my clients are making aliyah or designing their dream vacation home, there’s nothing like seeing their faces light up when they walk in for the first time.  Their words of fulfillment say, “This is exactly how I envisioned it. I’m so excited!” or “This is even more beautiful than I imagined.” That moment—handing over the keys and seeing the joy and sense of blessing in their eyes—is truly magical.

Let’s unlock your dream home in Israel

As you knead blessings into your challah, envision your elegant home in Israel.

Like adding sesame or sunflower seeds to your challah, you can choose the perfect accessory to complement your living room, add a peaceful touch to your bedroom, or introduce a playful detail to your family space.

From the aroma of freshly baked challah to the excitement of holding your new keys, let’s make your transition to Israel warm, welcoming, and beautifully designed.

Here’s to new keys, new memories, and a year filled with blessings!