A giant challah festival is coming to 5 U.S. cities next month, with bakery tours, bread raves and more

This November, the humble loaf of Shabbat bread is going on tour. FOODISH, the culinary initiative powered by ANU–Museum of the Jewish People, is launching the inaugural Global ChallahFest from November 6 to 29. Hitting up seven cities—New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Atlanta, Tel Aviv and London—this tasty tour is a cultural celebration of Jewish tradition.

This isn't your standard baking conference, however. ChallahFest is bringing dance floor energy to this international bread party. The festival features everything from bakery tours and student baking showdowns to VIP brunches and shared Friday-night dinners. Ever tried challah on a stick? You can here. Feeling the rhythm? A DJ-led Challah Rave promises to bring high-energy beats (and late night bites).

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The star-studded lineup includes major culinary power. New York Times bestselling author (and former Time Out food editor) Jake Cohen kicks things off in New York City at William Greenberg Desserts, complete with a ChallahFest DIY Kit for a series of hands-on activities. Culinary legend Joan Nathan lends her deep knowledge for open Q&A sessions, while chef Einat Admony and DJ Falmer team up with OneTable for a tasty, beat-heavy Kabbalat Shabbat.

ChallahFest is also elevating the braided classic to high art. An original photography exhibition curated by FOODISH CEO Merav Oren, alongside fine-art photographer Sivan Roshianu and chef-artist Alexander “Zoonder” Lachnish, puts the loaf front and center with quirky works like Challah Tetris and A Shabbat Emergency Kit.

As Merav Oren puts it, building a living culture means creating experiences young people actually want to join: "A challah can become a conversation, a work of art or a rave." ANU CEO Oded Revivi echoes that sentiment, noting how one shared loaf carries thousands of unique family stories across generations and continents.

ChallahFest is celebrating heritage that's best served fresh, warm and shared together. Check the lineup for your city and get ready to dig in.