A documentary film about the rise of a sweet bread
From Jewish bakeries in Eastern Europe to the artisanal bakery in your neighborhood,
cakes once made from scraps of leftover challah dough have become a global obsession.
The cameras haven't rolled as yet. Here's what we're chasing and how you can be involved.
A Slice of History
From late 19th century: Eastern European Roots
Ashkenazi home and commercial bakers create sweet yeast breads with leftover challah dough, adding jam or cinnamon, so nothing goes to waste....
1920-1950: Neighborhood Bakeries
Jewish immigrants to the U.S., and particularly in New York, establish small family bakeries that quickly gain in popularity, offering a "taste of home."
1950s onward: Expansion and Commoditization
Jewish-style chocolate and cinnamon Babka becomes a recognizable Jewish bakery item in American cities.
2000 - present: Going Mainstream
Babka appears on shelves of major supermarkets and shopping outlets, and is enjoyed in non-Jewish homes and restaurants as well.​
2010s - present: Going Viral
Star pastry chefs reinvent Babka, and social media influencers are busy! Babka is a huge, trendy crowd-pleaser.