The bread and better of Judaism

Our Talmudic sages instruct us to be careful not to embarrass bread. Why would anyone think of embarrassing bread? More puzzling is how does bread get embarrassed? Has anyone ever seen a bagel blush? This instruction certainly sounds strange, whichever way you cut it.

According to the sages, if one has bread and wine on the table, one must not make a blessing on the wine before making a blessing on the bread as this will embarrass the bread. This situation is by no means an uncommon one. In fact, it occurs at every Shabbos and yomtov supper and lunch. These bread-based meals must be preceded immediately by kiddush, the ceremonial sanctification of the day, which includes a blessing over wine or grape juice.

It’s because of this concern for the shame of the challah loaves that we place a cloth cover over the challahs during the recitation of kiddush.

What does this mean? On a simplistic level, the sages are training us to be sensitive people. If one is able to feel the hurt of overlooked bread, imagine how aware one should be regarding the hurt of an overlooked human being! However this interpretation seems somewhat half-baked.

On a deeper level, the sages are giving us one of the greatest insights into Jewish values.

Jewish practice has two fundamental components: ritual and righteousness. Judaism is full of rich ritual practice, and symbols abound. In addition, Judaism overflows with decency and virtue.

It makes sense to say that each of these components represents an essential part of Jewish living. The rituals are reminders. They remind us of our heavenly relationship with G-d. Virtues are behaviours. They actualise our earthly relationship with godliness.

As vital as both of these relationships are, is it possible to prioritise one over the other? Could it be that one of the two relationships comes first and the other comes second?

Yes, say the sages. In terms of time, our relationship with G-d comes first. That’s why kiddush, which is made over wine and symbolises our sanctification of and devotion to G-d, must come first. However in terms of honour, the bread, which symbolises our energy and our effort to engage in acts of goodness and godliness, deserves to be placed before the wine. If steps aren’t taken to avoid dishonouring the importance of bread, it would be most embarrassing.

To seek connection to G-d is good. Like good wine. To engage in godliness is better, for that’s the bread and better of Judaism.