Thanks for a great recipe. We pretty much make the same thing! Two quick comments. First off, the use of sesame seeds (or poppy) is a traditional topping for Challah as it symbolizes the mannah that fell when the Israelites wandered in the dessert for 40 years. The Challah itself also represents the Mannah as we use two challot (plural of Challah) each sabbath and holiday meal symbolizing the double portion of mannah they collected before the sabbath. Finally, its great others commented on the Jewish topics you have here. Everyone should just understand that there are many different Jewish traditions and even different ways people observe the kosher laws. Thanks, Phil, for your encouragement. I'm glad to hear there's no black-and-white "right/wrong" about traditional Jewish food, but instead, potentially many paths to the same destination... PJH

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