Shlissel Challah
On the first Shabbos after Pesach we bless the new Hebrew month of Iyar. Iyar is when the manna began to fall from heaven. There is a minhag to bake shlissel challah (shlissel means “key” in Yiddish.) Some people bake the challah in the shape of a key. Others bake the challah with their actual key baked in the dough, (wrap it in foil first!) There is also a custom to sprinkle sesame seeds on the challah to remind us of the manna. Call it a segulah for sustenance, call it a reminder that our livelihood is in G-d’s Hands, or call it a bit of fun at the Shabbos table for your children!