Star of David Challah

Begin by adding the required ingredients - 1 cup of water, eggs, salt, sugar, bread flour, and yeast - to the machine's pan in the sequence advised by the manufacturer. Choose the Dough mode, and initiate the machine.

Once the cycle is finished, carefully remove the dough from the machine, and position it on a work surface dusted with flour for 15 minutes to allow relaxation. Cover the dough with a towel or a large bowl to prevent moisture loss.

Gently manipulate the dough several times, and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion out into a rope approximately 10 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Arrange 3 ropes of bread onto the prepared surface, and firmly pinch the ends together to form a pointed triangle. Weave 3 additional ropes over and underneath each point of the first triangle to create a second, interwoven triangle. Pinch it tightly at the edges to form a 6-pointed star. Place the baking sheet in a warm environment, and allow it to rise until doubled in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Whisk an egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush the mixture over the loaf; sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake in the preheated oven until the challah is shiny, golden brown, and sounds hollow when tapped, approximately 35 minutes.