traditional Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Foods

The Jewish New year is at the starting of the Jewish month of Tishrei which regularly falls sometime during September. Jewish food for the New Year is traditionally replete with symbolism. Sweet foods are eaten, bread is dipped in honey instead of salt, we feast on new fruits and some habitancy even have the head of a lamb on their table. But what is the meaning behind all these special foods? And is there more to it than just honey?

The Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah (literally the head of the year) is a two day festival. It is a time for introspection and prayer in the hope that we will be blessed with a good, sweet new year. Most of the foods traditionally linked with Rosh Hashanah are linked in some way to our desire for a sweet new year. Whilst each of the Jewish festivals has its former Jewish foods, Rosh Hashanah has more than its fair share. After each food is eaten a "yehi ratzon" (may it be Your will) is recited to ask for a sweet new year. It is hoped that the eating of these foods on Rosh Hashanah will set the tone for a sweet New Year.

Traditional Food

The best known food linked with Rosh Hashanah is honey - apple is dipped in honey, and it is added to many dishes. The presuppose for using honey as a sweetener rather than sugar is that the Land of Israel is described as a land flowing with milk and honey. former Jewish bread known as challah is baked in a circle symbolizing the New Year and is eaten with honey. Many recipes use honey in the dough in place of sugar.

Carrots - the Hebrew for carrot is gezer which has the same root as "gzar" a settle - we wish to have good decrees bestowed upon us. Carrots are also naturally very sweet. Carrots are eaten as a side dish ("tzimmes") and can also be enjoyed in cakes.

Dates - the biblical source of honey. Date cakes are former for Rosh Hashanah as are date pastries. Dates are used in meat dishes to add sweetness. In addition to dates, date honey or silan is used in many Rosh Hashanah recipes.

Pomegranate - in Israel pomegranates ripen around the time of Rosh Hashanah and are eaten as a new fruit; we ask that we should have as many good deeds as there are seeds in a pomegranate. Pomegranate seeds are eaten raw, but can also be added to salads to add color, taste and texture. In addition, pomegranate syrup is used in cooking chicken and meat.

Apple - this is traditionally dipped in honey. It is eaten at the starting of the meal and we ask for to be blessed with a "sweet new year". There are many recipes for apple cakes, cookies and muffins and desserts which are enjoyed on Rosh Hashanah. In addition, apple is used in chicken and meat dishes on the Jewish New Year.

Leek, spinach and gourd are all mentioned in the Talmud in connection with Rosh Hashanah. These are often prepared as patties, or cooked and eaten as a side dish.

Beetroot - in Hebrew this is known as "selek" whose root means to remove - we hope that our sins will be removed. Beetroot is regularly eaten pickled as a salad, or roast.

Black eyed peas - known as rubiya in Hebrew which is similar to "yirbu" or increase - we ask that our good deeds should increase.

Head of a lamb or fish (vegetarians use a head of lettuce) - we should be like the head and not the tail. In addition, fish symbolize fertility and are traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah. Ashkenazi Jews traditionally eat gefilte fish on Rosh Hashanah.

When you are planning your New Year meals don't forget to contain lots of symbolic foods, but try not to overdo it on the honey! To find more Rosh Hashanah recipes visit http://www.jewishholidayrecipe.com/Roshhashanahrecipes.html

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy New Year!

traditional Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Foods

Thanks To : cuisinart multiclad unlimited 12 piece cookware lodge logic pre seasoned 17 inch cast iron skillet krona-7.5 quart stock pot with vented straining