On the first Shabbos after Pesach, many have the custom to eat ‘Shlissel Challah’. The Challah, either braided in the shape of a key or baked with an actual key, is said to be a Segula for Parnassah.
In the video below, you can learn how to make several different types of Shlissel Challah, just in time for Shabbos.
Some claim that Shlissel Challah is rooted in Christian and/or pagan practices.
Keys used to be manufactured in the form of a cross, and at Easter time, Christians
would bake them into a rising loaf of bread to symbolize Yoshke rising from the dead.
(This is the source of the “hot cross buns.”)
The Chida (Moreh B’etzba 7:190) writes ” This is a Klall Gadol. You should not
follow any Minhag unless you know the root (source) of it from Chazal , or
Authentic Kisvei Arizal or you know the true reason behind the Minhag”.
Is there a special bracha to make on challah gives refuah shelaimah
Batya bat massha Sura
I’m going to try key challah zussel challah this shabbat