The traditional Rosh Hashanah challah is round, symbolizing the cycle of the year.
Throughout much of the year, challah is commonly shaped as a braided loaf. For Rosh Hashanah, however, many Jewish families form the dough into a circle or coiled round loaf. The shape reflects the annual cycle and the recurring nature of the Jewish calendar.
Some round holiday challahs are made with raisins or other sweet ingredients. They may also be brushed with honey or served with honey, connecting the bread to the wish for a sweet new year. Some communities continue eating circular challah through Sukkot, while others use the shape only for Rosh Hashanah.
The main mix-up is confusing the everyday appearance of challah with its holiday form. Braided challah is highly recognizable and remains traditional for Shabbat and many festivals, but round challah is the characteristic Rosh Hashanah variation. Oval and square shapes do not carry the same widely recognized association.