1 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1 tbsp. shortening
1 tbsp. salt
4 - 5 1/2 c. white flour
1 1/2 c. hot water
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1/2 tsp. anise extract (optional)
2 c. rye flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, pour 1 1/2 cups hot water over sugar, molasses, anise, salt and shortening. Let stand until lukewarm. Beat in one cup white flour. Add yeast mixture to this and 2 cups rye flour. Add 3 - 4 1/2 cups white flour to make a stiff dough. Knead 10 minutes.

Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel and allow to rise until double. Punch down. Take "challah" without a Bracha. Shape into 2 round loaves and place on baking sheets and let rise until double. Bake 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees.