My social media feeds have been filled with challah the last few weeks. I’ve seen people asking for favorite recipes because they’ve never made challah and want to now that they’re home and have time.

On Fridays, the golden loaves start filling my feed, and on Sunday it’s French toast and ways to repurpose leftover challah. Simply having the time at home for it to rise is a game-changer for many of us. But there’s something visceral about the tactile nature of baking bread in a time when we’re not physically with others—the nostalgia of the smells and tastes, the spiritual feelings it can evoke, the simple fact that for thousands of years the Jewish people have had the same tradition of baking fresh bread and then taking a break for a day.

Challah is a powerful thing that binds us to Jewish culture, especially now. For me, challah is the Jewish symbol of COVID-19.

Whether you’re a pro, an amateur baker or just an admirer, Instagram is filled with mouthwatering challah options. Here are my top five challah Instagram account recommendations:

Mandylicious: The Challah Guru

Mandy Silverman is our Boston-area beloved queen of challah. With 23.2K Instagram followers, we’re clearly not alone in loving this local business (which offers pickup in Sharon!). Mandy’s weekly stuffed challahs run the gamut from Indian spice-filled to red velvet with icing to a beef empanada, and so many more. Her challah is delicious, and her photos will inspire the best of bakers to think differently about fillings and flavors. She also has a knack for balancing aspirational and “you can do it.” Fun fact: Mandy made 18-inch-tall challah letters for the 11th annual Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen event this year!

Best account for: Baking inspiration

Jewlish by Jamie l Jewish Food

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Aquachallah is about to blow your mind! ???? This eggless Challah recipe is made with the liquid from a can of chickpeas, AKA aquafaba. (SAY WHAT?!) Not only is it insanely delicious, but it’s perfect if you don't have eggs on hand or if someone in your family is egg-free.  GET THE FULL RECIPE IN OUR FREE EBOOK: http://bit.ly/JGVeganEbook …⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ????⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tag @jewlishbyjamie for a chance to be featured⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ …⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ ????⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Subscribe to our free newsletter for fresh recipes bit.ly/JGEmailSubscribe⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ …⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #challah #jewishfood #baking #baker #yummyfood #bakery #jewishfood #jewishfoodie #eats #bakedgoods #foodasmr #asmr #lovefood #feedfeed #food52 #cooking #foodlover #marthafood #hautecuisines #foodblogfeed #marthafood #beautifulcuisines #buzzfeast #foodblogeats

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Jamie Geller has a great approach to Jewish traditional favorites, with gorgeous photography. She intrigued me with her challah in a bag video—and while I can’t say it’s my new favorite challah recipe, it was a lot of fun. Jamie is also a master of vegan Jewish foods and has a few vegan challah recipes.

Best for: Gorgeous challah as part of your modern Jewish meal

Shannon Sarna

Shannon Sarna’s baked goods are drool-worthy and delightfully real, so it’s no wonder she’s also the editor of The Nosher and author of “Modern Jewish Baker.” Her recipes are rooted in tradition but have perfect splashes of today. Aside from challah favors and styles, Shannon has you covered on the infamous rainbow cookies, and so much more.

Best for: Home bakers who want to feel like pros

Challah Hub

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Sound the challah alarms! ????We’re now accepting orders for delivery around LA for *this* Friday and next. Chocolate Chip and Original. Tap to get it delivered, but move FAST because there are some crazy challah folks out there who have been buyin’ up all our challah within hours of them going on sale. It’s madness. We’ll be like, “Hey do you guys want some ch–“ and then they’re gone. So go get yours now! It’s delicious! And delivered! And if you don’t like it (you will) you can use it as toilet paper (oh the humanity) and get a full refund (we just want to feed you delicious challah and make you happy). Okay sweet! That’s all! Hope you guys are doing okay <3 #losangeles #challah #sfv #homedeliveryservice

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This is the quintessential challah admirers account, with over 1,000 images of challah of all shapes, sizes, colors, fillings and more. Challah Hub has a bakery in Los Angeles (offering local delivery), but also sells some darn cute tea towels and challah covers you can order online.

Best for: Inspiration and challah swag

Challah Art by Gitty

The name says it all: Gitty Salomon is a true artist with flour and yeast. Every week she makes incredible scenes and people out of challah that are so beautiful I can’t imagine eating them!

Best for: Admiring

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