Q: What is Schlissel Challah?

A: On the Sabbath following Passover, which this year was April 26, some Ashkenazic Jews have the custom of baking what is called a “Schlissel challah”—otherwise known as a key challah. Some versions of the custom require the placing of an actual key inside the dough, with the key baked into the challah, while others prefer baking a key-shaped bread in observance of the custom. According to rabbis, the key is an expression of prayer for the blessings of God, as the “key” to a life of material plenty is in God’s hand.

In our opinion, however, it's appropriate that the custom echoes the name of our incoming president, Mark Schlissel. May he be the “key” to success at the University of Michigan!