A Transparent Challah Cover
ANSWER: Rav Belsky, zt”l (Shulchan HaLevi 6:10) writes that there are three reasons why we cover the challahs. One reason is to remember the mon which was covered with dew (Tosfos Pesachim 100b). According to this reason, a transparent covering would be sufficient. However, there are two other reasons why we cover the challahs:
We cover the challahs so they should not be “embarrassed” that we are reciting Kiddush before hamotzi. (Ordinarily, hamotzi is recited before borei pri hagofen.) (Tur Orach Chaim 271).
We cover the challahs to demonstrate that the challah is being served in honor of Shabbos. In theory, we should bring the challahs to the table after Kiddush, but because we don’t want to create a hefsek (disruption) between Kiddush and the meal, we set the challahs on the table before Kiddush and cover them. After Kiddush, by uncovering the challahs, it is as if the challahs were just brought to the table (Tosfos ibid.).
According to these latter two reasons, it would be inappropriate to use a transparent challah cover.
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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.