Rosh Hashanah, sometimes referred to as the Jewish New Year, is a time for celebration! According to the Talmudic teachings, Rosh Hashanah marked the anniversary of G-d’s reaction of the world and was a time to seek repentance. As the traditions of this High Holy Day develop so did the various food customs associated with the holiday. Whether you want something sweet, fresh and filling, the traditional foods for Rosh Hashanah have something for you.
Round Challah
When you think of Rosh Hashanah you think of challah! These round loaves of braided egg bread are one of the most recognizable food symbols of the holiday. During this High Holy Day, challah loaves are shaped into rounds, spirals (ladders) or birds. These shapes are symbolic of the cycle of life, hope that prayers rise to heaven, and the continuity of creation. Depending on preference and family recipes, sweet fruits such as raisins or even honey are added to the loaves to make them extra sweet.
Honey and Apples
In Biblical and Torah texts, the Promised Land was noted to be a place overflowing with milk and honey. So, its not surprising that during Rosh Hashanah honey is part of the culinary custom. On the first night of the holiday, Jews dip challah and offer a blessing over the bread. Next, apples are dipped into honey and a prayer for a sweet year is offered.
The wish for a good and sweet year extends to other aspects of Rosh Hashanah’s feasting. Honey cakes serve as snack and desert for some meals. In some recipe variations, apple and honey cakes are offered as breakfast cakes similar to muffins.
New Fruit
On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, its customary to eat a fruit which has recently come into season. With Rosh Hashanah coming around fall, there are so many to chose from. Upon eating the new fruit, a blessing is offering thanking God for bringing the Jewish people to this new season.
For this High Holy Day, pomegranates are a favorite. This fruit has symbolic significance to the Jewish people, because the fruit contains 613 seed, which mirrors the 613 commandments (mitzvoth) that Jewish people seek to follow. Also, many see the pomegranate’s seeds as representing abundance and a reminder of the people’s obedience during the prior year..
Fish
Since Rosh Hashanah is Hebrew for “head of the year,” some Jews serve the head of animals as part of their meal. Many opt for the head of a fish. In this tradition, the fish is symbolic of many things. The eyes of the fish denote knowledge, because the eyes of the fish are always open. For others, the fish is seen as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. After the fish is placed on the table, the common prayer asking that the family be more like leaders than followers is made.
In the alternative of eating the fish head, pike, carp, tilapia, whitefish, and salmon are commonly served. In some homes, whitefish, tilapia and cod are made into gefilte fish and served with broth or tomato sauce.
Other Foods
While there are few limits to what you can eat, some people also eat leeks, dates, beets, black eyed beans, spinach, the head of a sheep, squash, and gourds. These foods are eaten for some of the same reasons pomegranates, honey, and fish are consumed. These select foods are symbolic of G-d’s protection of his people and a Jews desire to lead endeavors and be blessed by G-d.
Foods Not to Eat
While Rosh Hashanah is a holiday with diverse and symbolic food customs, there are some foods that are not recommended for the High Holy Day. Traditionally, nuts are not eaten on this Day. Also, foods that increase phlegm, such as fatty foods and milk products, are not suggested.
Rosh Hashanah is more than about food, but the symbolism of the High Holy Day. While called the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah is actually a day of remembrance and judgment. Jewish people around the world celebrate this day with great food and hope for the coming year.
