12 loaves for Shabbat – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Why do some people have 12 loaves on the Shabbat table?
A. The 12 challot symbolise the 12 loaves placed in the Temple on Erev Shabbat. Others say that they represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
Not many people carry out this practice but some use loaves baked in 12 sections.
