Second Stage

After the rising
the dough is
punched down
Kneaded
(massaged, pressed, squeezed, molded,
manipulated)

Divided into sections
And rolled into strands

Then braided
Topped with olive oil
And poppy seed

It’s the middle part of challah making
Like the middle part of life
When so much is worked into us by
Faithful loving hands

and beauty begins to
emerge