What is the minimum measurement of dough for taking Challah?
The requirement to separate Challah (and recite a blessing) from a dough is only when it contains the volume (not weight) of at least a tenth of an Aifah – 43 and 1/5 Kabeitza (eggs) – of flour.
Converting this measurement into weight depends on many factors, such as: the type of flour (whole wheat, all-purpose flour, high gluten, other types of grain, etc.), moisture content, sifting, and seasonal changes.
In practice, when using regular white (wheat) flour1:
- 59 ounces of flour or more: One should separate, with a blessing.
- Between 43 and 59 ounces: One should separate. Some say it should be done without a blessing, but many are lenient and make a blessing even with this amount.
- Less than 43 ounces: Challah is not separated.
In all amounts mentioned above, one should avoid the margin of error, by using more or less flour.
| Conversion table | ||
| 59 oz | 43 oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Pounds | 3 lb. 11 oz. (3.6875 lbs.) |
2 lb. 11 oz. (2.6875 lbs.) |
| Kilograms | 1.666 kg (1,666 grams) |
1.230 kg (1,230 grams) |
| Cups | ~12⅓ cups | ~8⅔ cups |
יו”ד סימן שכד א. ובס’ שיעורי תורה עמ’ קסח. וע”ע צ”צ שו”ת יו”ד סו”ס רכג.
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