Introduction
In the Mishna, Maimonides explains that one is required to eat in the sukkah only on the first night of Sukkot (Hilkhot Sukkah 6:7). In this section of the Laws of the Sukkah, Maimonides explained that the required amount of bread is “ke zayit” or as much as an olive in Hebrew (about one ounce).
In ancient Israel, bread was one of the most important staples, served at every meal. Wheat and barley were the most important staples of the Mediterranean. These grains would be ground between two stones. It would take about three hours to grind enough flour to bake bread for six people. The resulting flour would be mixed with water and kneaded. The dough would be shaped into thin, flat circles. These would be thrown against the wall of the outdoor bread oven, or tabun. They would stick to the hot wall to bake. When the bread was ready, it would fall off the wall of the oven into the ashes on the floor. The ashes would be shaken off, and the hot bread would be served.
Ingredients
Wheat and Barley Bread
2 cups plain flour
2 cups barley flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons baking powder
a pinch salt
1 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Step 2
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Step 3
Knead for about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Shape into a round loaf.
Step 5
Place on a tray covered with parchment paper.
Step 6
Bake for 40 minutes.