The enormous challah is Zivia's contribution -- big enough for each wedding guest to have at least a small taste. She explains the tradition from her own background: after the newlyweds have cut the bread and partaken of it, it's considered a segulah (something like a blessing, something like good luck) for guests to partake as well. Especially, though not exclusively, for those wishing for future success in building their own families.

Just a small taste for everyone is hardly enough, though, so in addition to the massive braided loaf there's also two large baskets of rolls made with the same dough. One basket has rolls topped with a sweet honey-streusel crumble, the other with savory onion bits.

Her gift to the couple is a leatherbound book of beautifully handwritten recipes, including one for the challah.