This is from my friend Yehudis Orloff.

Mix together:
4 cups flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons yeast
5 cups warm water
Let rise for 5 – 10 minutes.

Add:
2 tablespoons salt
1 cup oil
8 – 10 cups flour

Knead until elastic, cover and let rise for 2 hours.
Punch down, braid, cover and let rise 1 hour. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds if desired.
Bake at 350 for 30 – 40 minutes.