The following are some special spiritual benefits credited to the mitzvah of separating challah, along with some customs practiced while performing the mitzvah of seperating challah:
While preparing challah and other foods for Shabbat, it is customary to say, “lichvod Shabbat kodesh,” “in honor of the holy Shabbat.”
Some have the custom, while kneading the dough, to recite Psalms and pray for people who are in need of G-d’s help and salvation.
Because of the great merit credited to the mitzvah of separating challah, it is worthy to bake especially for the sake of fulfilling this mitzvah at least once a year, ideally during the Ten Days of Repentance (Siddur Kol Eliyahu).
The following custom has recently become common in Jewish communities: Forty women devote their prayers while separating challah to the merit of a person in need of salvation (such as recovery from illness, a worthy mate, or the birth of a child).
The mitzvah of separating challah is recognized as a segulah for an easy, safe birth. It is customary to separate challah at least once in the ninth month of pregnancy.
According to our Sages, the mitzvah of separating challah brings with it a blessing for a good livelihood into our home.