Eating the Edge of a Challah

Not Eating the Tip of the Challah

It is a commonly accepted custom not to eat the tip of the challah (or any bread) since it is assumed to be kasheh leshikchah (causes a person to forget their Torah learning). There is no known Torah source for this custom. Consequently, one is not obligated to keep it unless it is a custom in their family. The Rashba tells us that what noshim zekeinos (righteous elderly women) say, even if it has no source in Torah, should be just as honored as those customs that do; therefore, if it is a family tradition, one should not abandon it. Some suggest that perhaps this custom developed from a concern that challah may not have been separated from the dough, and therefore the tip would be cut off and be disposed of in a respectful manner in keeping with the mitzvah of hafrashas challah (separating a piece from the challah dough.) #283?1

https://halacha2go.com?number=283

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.