Rosh Hashanah: background, traditions and culinary customs

12 Sep 2023

Rosh Hashanah: background, traditions and culinary customs

from Alexandra

Rosh Hashanah, literally “head of the year”, marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. This two-day festival falls on the first and second day of the month of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar, which normally corresponds to the end of September or beginning of October in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is not only a New Year celebration, but also a time for inner reflection, thinking about the past year and hope for the year to come.

Background and spiritual meaning:

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the ten days of repentance, which end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is a time when Jews reflect on their deeds, ask for forgiveness and make plans for improvement in the coming year. Traditionally, it is believed that on Rosh Hashanah, God records each person’s fate for the coming year, but the final judgments are only sealed on Yom Kippur.

“We are looking forward to the year 5784”

Traditions:

Shofar: One of the best-known traditions of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar, an instrument made from a ram’s horn. The shofar is blown in the synagogue and calls for repentance. It also reminds the congregation of the Binding of Isaac, in which Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac until a ram was offered as a substitute.

Tashlich: Another tradition is the ritual of Tashlich. The believers throw breadcrumbs or stones into running water, which symbolizes the casting away of sins.

New Year cards: It is customary to send cards to wish friends and family a “Shana Tova” (good year).

Culinary customs:

Food plays a central role in Rosh Hashanah and many of the dishes are symbolic.

Apple and honey: One of the most famous Rosh Hashanah dishes is the apple dipped in honey. This symbolizes the wish for a sweet new year.

Gefilte fish: A popular dish in Ashkenazi communities consisting of pureed fish, usually carp.

Honey cake: A sweet cake that also expresses the wish for a sweet year.

Round challah bread: Unlike the usual braided form, challah is baked round on Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing the cycle of life and the progression of the year. Raisins are often included to add extra sweetness.

Recipe: Delicious challah bread, Israeli bread

New fruit: On the second evening of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to eat a fruit that has not been eaten since the beginning of the last season, often a pomegranate.