Rising: The Book of Challah – Cookbook Giveaway

Enter our worldwide giveaway to win an autographed copy of Rising: The Book of Challah by Rochie Pinson.

Usually, I play the role of the pied piper – in a purely positive manner – of cookbooks in my group of social media friends. Earlier this year my friend Laurel posted a photo of Rising: The Book of Challah and I ordered a copy immediately. The day I received it in the mail I made Challah bread and cinnamon rolls.

I reached out to Rochie who graciously sent me an autographed copy for myself and another copy to give away. I was able to gift the copy I ordered to a friend. See our giveaway below.

Rochie Pinson is a mother, artist, author, avid baker, and Rebbetzin of a large and growing community in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. You can learn more about this talented woman in her bio.

Cinnamon challah rolls with cream cheese frosting
My first loaf of Challah. Even with Rochie’s amazing instructions and guides, I’ve never been great at braiding – see Exhibit A below (and this was at 11 pm).
Jenny – I blame my mother for my lack of braiding skills.

In this gorgeous book, the story of Challah is shared within the first 65 pages, the second section of the book delivers everything one needs to understand and make Challah and the book finishes with the laws and customs of Challah. Beautiful photographs accompany the recipes along with detailed instructions including illustrated guides to braiding from a three-strand classic braid to a twelve-strand octopus braid, basket weaves, wreaths and so much more. Photographs of Yemenite Kubaneh and Persian Barbari Challah from the Challahs Around the World chapter below.

With Rosh Hashanah approaching, I thought this would be the perfect time to feature this book that every baker should have in their collection.

Rochie has several zoom classes set up for next week. You can direct message her on Instagram to find out more.

Our EYBDPreviewButton takes you inside this beautiful book and shares recipes and samples of the stunning imagery. Be sure to visit The Rising Life for more recipes from Rochie.

Special thanks to the author for offering one autographed copy of her book in our worldwide giveaway.  Entry options include answering the following questions in the comments section of this blog post.

Have you ever made challah?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post and this forum post. Once you log in and enter your member name you will be directed to the next entry option – the blog comment. After that, there are additional options that you can complete for more entries. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on December 19th, 2020.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Post a comment

170 Comments

  • Shelley.b  on  September 6, 2020

    Yes I have made challah

  • CC.cooks  on  September 6, 2020

    I have never made Challa

  • amyz218  on  September 6, 2020

    I haven’t made challah… yet.

  • Hmacov  on  September 6, 2020

    Yes I’ve made Challah

  • NancyLynn  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes, I have

  • leilx  on  September 7, 2020

    I’ve made challah. I most recently made it when my Jewish uncle (married in; non-religious) came to visit. It was delicious! I would like to make it again.

  • semaphoredm  on  September 7, 2020

    No, I have never made challah.

  • LarissaPrusak  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes, I have made challahs already

  • riley  on  September 7, 2020

    No, never.

  • Curlyfatkins  on  September 7, 2020

    I’ve not made it yet!

  • BarbaraAJ  on  September 7, 2020

    Would love to try this!

  • calvey  on  September 7, 2020

    I have but I could definitely use some tips.

  • teveritt  on  September 7, 2020

    I haven’t made challah. Until very recently, I hadn’t even heard of challah but now I’m eager to try it after hearing about it on a podcast I listen to.

  • stepspior  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes i made Challah and working in a bakery sometimes 30 loaves. This upcoming week I will be making Challah and Rugelach

  • Confectiona  on  September 7, 2020

    I’ve been making challah for 30 years. This holiday I’m going to make it with my grandchildren, who are 5 and 2.

  • jifar  on  September 7, 2020

    Not yet, I have made lots of different breads but not Challa.

  • JRumi  on  September 7, 2020

    No, I have not made challah.

  • pcona  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes but i don’t think it came out right

  • rrobb  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes, a few times

  • lene  on  September 7, 2020

    I made it once many years ago. It didn’t taste very good.
    Later I realized that the eggs were old. Probably store bought

  • Challapaula  on  September 7, 2020

    I have learned to make challah and have found that it’s nourishment for body mind and soul

  • lean1  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes I have made challah a couple of times. Its not hard just time consuming for me.

  • rejcooks  on  September 7, 2020

    Every week!

  • Dewnie  on  September 7, 2020

    Challah is baked frequently in my home…

  • ravensfan  on  September 7, 2020

    I have never made challah.

  • mcrimmins  on  September 7, 2020

    I have never made Challa but it’s on my list.

  • dbranigan27  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes, I have made Challah once many years ago when I was a teenager. Since then, my husband has been the maker of breads. I would love to try the recipes in this book.

  • JMelnick  on  September 7, 2020

    I have made challah.

  • matag  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes!

  • matag  on  September 7, 2020

    Yes

  • BookWorm53  on  September 7, 2020

    I have made challah. I would love to know more about its history and this book would provide that deeper understanding I think.

  • rchesser  on  September 7, 2020

    Many times.

  • Laura1  on  September 7, 2020

    Many, many times. It’s a Friday tradition.

  • southerncooker  on  September 7, 2020

    I made challah once I’d love to try again and work on braiding.

  • ebs  on  September 7, 2020

    I have made challah a few times and loved making it!

  • sarahawker  on  September 7, 2020

    I have made Challah as has my 16 y.o. “because he was hungry”. That was an interesting mess but turned out surprisingly well.

  • demomcook  on  September 7, 2020

    I have made challah many times. For Rosh Hashanah I will be making a lemon vanilla challah.

  • qchu204  on  September 8, 2020

    I’ve never tried making challah.

  • trudys_person  on  September 8, 2020

    I have made Challah – it is a lovely dough to work with.

  • RachaelN  on  September 8, 2020

    I make challah once or twice a year. I love it so much. I wish I was better at it, so I keep trying!

  • jupflute  on  September 8, 2020

    Yes, I like to make it occasionally.

  • kimtrev  on  September 8, 2020

    I make challah a few times a year

  • dbielick  on  September 8, 2020

    Yes, I have.

  • gilmonster  on  September 8, 2020

    I’ve never made Challah

  • maci234  on  September 8, 2020

    No, I have never made challah.

  • bryanmurphy  on  September 8, 2020

    Yes I have made challah

  • Natlovesgib  on  September 8, 2020

    No I haven’t

  • MarciK  on  September 9, 2020

    I’ve never made challah, but I love eating it and would love to learn how to make it.

  • bopper  on  September 9, 2020

    I’ve never made it or heard of it actually; something new to learn about

  • Sbst  on  September 9, 2020

    No, never

  • Isis1981uk  on  September 9, 2020

    No, I never have.

  • kmn4  on  September 9, 2020

    I have not made challah!

  • Siegal  on  September 10, 2020

    Yes on Shabbat

  • Bloomie  on  September 10, 2020

    Yes, I’ve made Challah, particularly for Jewish Holidays

  • KitKatCat  on  September 10, 2020

    no

  • debbiehb  on  September 11, 2020

    I’ve never made Challah

  • RSW  on  September 11, 2020

    no

  • RuthHarwood  on  September 12, 2020

    not yet, but I’d love to give it a try xx

  • wildchild  on  September 12, 2020

    No

  • mpdeb98  on  September 12, 2020

    Yes, I’ve made challah

  • LauraJon  on  September 12, 2020

    I haven’t because I haven’t found a recipe I know I can trust. I also haven’t ever eaten challah!

  • LEKcookbooks  on  September 12, 2020

    I’ve never made challah, much to my regret. But it was the only bread I ate growing up!

  • hisforhome  on  September 12, 2020

    No, but it’s on my ‘to do’ list!

  • youngsvnnhrs  on  September 12, 2020

    Not yet!

  • t.t  on  September 12, 2020

    I’ve never made challah, but I’m intrigued…

  • Linda04101  on  September 12, 2020

    Those cinnamon challah rolls look delicious. I have not made challah before.

  • hrk  on  September 12, 2020

    I have, but it’s been a long time!

  • KevinSeattle  on  September 12, 2020

    I have made challa, but you may find my lack of braiding skills… disturbing

  • iza27  on  September 13, 2020

    yes, I have

  • vhfvhf  on  September 13, 2020

    not yet

  • ginatus  on  September 13, 2020

    No, I have never made challah. I would love to if I have this book to guide me…

  • Dannausc  on  September 14, 2020

    No

  • hbakke  on  September 14, 2020

    I’ve never made challah.

  • fmd518  on  September 14, 2020

    I have never made it

  • GiovannaR  on  September 14, 2020

    I made challah once but it was a long time ago. Eager to try again.

  • moralla  on  September 14, 2020

    a few

  • NaomiH  on  September 16, 2020

    Yes, badly

  • sgreiff  on  September 17, 2020

    No

  • Dendav  on  September 18, 2020

    No, I never made challah.

  • kennethjohngilmour  on  September 18, 2020

    I have never made challah?

  • ElizM  on  September 18, 2020

    No never

  • LeMinou  on  September 18, 2020

    No

  • gladysbaker  on  September 18, 2020

    I so want to learn how to make challah.
    I’ve only made one time when I traveled to Israel.

  • linmulholland  on  September 18, 2020

    Never!

  • BMeyer  on  September 18, 2020

    never made challah

  • calguire  on  September 19, 2020

    I haven’t… yet!

  • LaurenE  on  September 19, 2020

    Not only have I made challah, I help teach challah baking classes

  • stacymarkow  on  September 19, 2020

    I have never made challah. The braiding intimidates me.

  • littleminxgirl  on  September 20, 2020

    I have made a few different breads, but I don’t think I’ve made Challah

  • jd5761  on  September 20, 2020

    i haven’t yet

  • Blackeyedsusans  on  September 20, 2020

    Yes I have made challah

  • Swoof  on  September 21, 2020

    My Grandmother made wonderful challah, my father made wonderful challah and I just can’t seem to do it well. My kids are begging for a recipe that they love that we could make together.

  • Pizzacat13  on  September 22, 2020

    I’ve never tried it. I have tried plaiting bread though and agree it is difficult!

  • Sand9  on  September 22, 2020

    No, but might have a go it looks lovely x

  • Su2cool  on  September 22, 2020

    I make challah but am always up for something new

  • MaggieMaggieMae  on  September 24, 2020

    No, I’ve always wanted to try.

  • JEWGAL777  on  September 25, 2020

    Yes, I make challah every week for Shabbat,

  • Roosta  on  September 26, 2020

    I have not made Challah

  • luccio  on  September 26, 2020

    Not yet… : )

  • Eydie  on  September 26, 2020

    I love all these recipes and braiding techniques. I want to first make the Kubaneh breakfast challah. My husband will love it!

  • chasteph  on  September 26, 2020

    Yes, I have made Challa, many times- but I look forward to learning new ideas from Rochie

  • bookmark77  on  September 28, 2020

    No, not yet.

  • bookmark58  on  September 28, 2020

    I have never made Challah.

  • Lafauvette  on  September 28, 2020

    Yes! It’s one of my favorite breads to make!

  • cellenly  on  September 29, 2020

    Not yet

  • Lijstjesmeisje  on  September 30, 2020

    I’ve never made challah.

  • rachelibock  on  September 30, 2020

    Yes – two last week

  • Leonard5854  on  September 30, 2020

    I made challah years ago.

  • CatsintheKitchen  on  September 30, 2020

    This book looks beautiful. I’ve made challah a couple of times, usually a flavor variation.

  • Sanyo12  on  October 3, 2020

    No, I have not.

  • RickPearson54  on  October 3, 2020

    Nope

  • Li2  on  October 5, 2020

    Yes I often make challahs for Sabbath.

  • nvernon  on  October 5, 2020

    Yes, but two decades ago.

  • Shelmar  on  October 7, 2020

    No, but it is on my to do list

  • Sfgordon  on  October 7, 2020

    yes! I recently made a ‘scallion pancake’ challah from a Molly Yeh recipe!

  • DimensionAEB  on  October 8, 2020

    No, I’ve never made it but would like to,

  • lindaeatsherbooks  on  October 9, 2020

    I have not yet made a Challah.

  • Tabby72  on  October 9, 2020

    I have not but would love to try!

  • Steben  on  October 9, 2020

    have never made Challa

  • lils74  on  October 12, 2020

    I’ve never made challah but am looking forward to learning how!

  • Bake4one  on  October 12, 2020

    Yes, I have

  • LSanders  on  October 14, 2020

    Yes! We make most weeks.

  • lpatterson412  on  October 14, 2020

    I have made Challah bread, it is one of my favorite breads, so beautiful!

  • HLadd  on  October 16, 2020

    No, I have never made challah

  • Lora724  on  October 20, 2020

    I have never made Challah.

  • ceejayen  on  October 21, 2020

    No yet, but the book looks like a good instruction

  • debra24  on  October 22, 2020

    No

  • EmilyR  on  October 26, 2020

    Yes, but I need to make a modern version.

  • hwg3141  on  October 26, 2020

    No

  • katiefish  on  October 26, 2020

    No I haven’t but hopefully will soon

  • DJBWA  on  October 26, 2020

    I have made challah. I like making mini ones for rolls. Yum!

  • Onlyhumanjelly  on  October 26, 2020

    I need to make challah now…

  • banba1  on  October 27, 2020

    No, I never have, but my coworker recently promised to give me lessons once we’re able to get together again!

  • Belene  on  October 27, 2020

    I have never made challah. It’s about time to change that 🙂

  • silversand  on  October 27, 2020

    no I haven’t ever made challah

  • elisabeta  on  October 27, 2020

    I have never made Challa

  • yoeydavis  on  October 27, 2020

    I’ve never heard of it, let alone made it.

  • snare  on  October 27, 2020

    no

  • orchidlady01  on  October 28, 2020

    I have never made challah but would love to give it a try.

  • MrRichTea  on  October 28, 2020

    I haven’t made challah

  • sheridarby  on  October 29, 2020

    No never

  • jrhymer  on  October 29, 2020

    No, I have never made Challa

  • GeorgeWW  on  October 31, 2020

    I haven’t but I want to!

  • JuanP  on  November 2, 2020

    I have made challah

  • quebecky  on  November 2, 2020

    Yes, I have

  • puddiemum  on  November 4, 2020

    Yes I have challah many times

  • teresaamueller  on  November 5, 2020

    Not so far but after watching the Great british bakeoff I feel like trying it 🙂

  • chasteph  on  November 6, 2020

    I have made challah often. I would like to experiment with new flavors and variations that I think the book will offer.

  • littleliv  on  November 6, 2020

    No I haven’t made Challah

  • jleb1979  on  November 7, 2020

    I do not bake that often, but I have made challah once a year for about twenty years following Beth Hensperger’s recipe. The braiding process with a rather different sort of dough is fun, and it is marvelous to see what rises….

  • mga  on  November 7, 2020

    Persian barbari challah

  • mga  on  November 7, 2020

    No, never.

  • bonita7878  on  November 7, 2020

    While I have never made Challah at home, my kids and I love this type of loaf. So soft and delicious. Buy it regularly, would love to be able to follow these recipes.

  • Karla123  on  November 9, 2020

    I’ve made Challah many times and I love it.

  • cgertum  on  November 11, 2020

    Not yet…

  • mfl  on  November 12, 2020

    2 or 3 times

  • HomespunHouse  on  November 13, 2020

    no, but i have eaten plenty.

  • JessHeilman  on  November 14, 2020

    I never had but now is a good time to start. 🙂

  • fionajk42  on  November 15, 2020

    No I’ve never made it as I assumed it would be difficult to make at home.

  • zeenie  on  November 15, 2020

    ive never made it

  • PatBarrett  on  November 16, 2020

    No I’ve never made it.

  • nicolthepickle  on  November 20, 2020

    I have made Challah. I have a few recipes that I rotate.

  • aligiraffe  on  November 23, 2020

    No I’ve never made Challah

  • jluvs2bake  on  November 25, 2020

    I have. My son went to a preschool at a synagogue, and the parents had to take turns bringing snacks and challah. When it was my turn for challah, I decided to make my own. It became one of my favorite breads to bake — and eat!

  • kitchen_chick  on  November 27, 2020

    I’ve made it once.

  • Rosemarysullivan  on  November 29, 2020

    Ihsbe never made challah! Would like to try the challah cinnamon rolls!

  • ChicagoJen  on  November 29, 2020

    Yes – every week, even the day my daughters were born! I need this book to mix things up!

  • elsid22  on  December 12, 2020

    I haven’t made challah, but I want to!

  • auntietina  on  December 16, 2020

    I have made challah once and my braiding looked like I was stumbling drunk (I was not)

  • aldebaran  on  March 4, 2021

    Yes, I have a good amount of practice by now!

Seen anything interesting? Let us know & we'll share it!