These traditional Rosh Hashanah foods are rich in meaning and symbolism. How many of these stories did you know?
Do You Know These Symbolic Rosh Hashanah Foods?
Updated Jan. 17, 2024
For most of us, the start of a new year is the chance to go after our goals, dreams and ambitions on the best note possible. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is about doing that literally, with primarily sweet food served to usher in a sweet year of blessings and abundance. The foods on the table are richly symbolic and meaningful. Whether you’re hosting or attending a supper, check out our guide to Jewish foods for Rosh Hashanah. We have also curated a list of the best Jewish cookbooks so that you have recipes handy for holiday comfort foods, easy kosher meals, Israeli dishes and more!
Apples and Honey
Apples and honey are almost synonymous with Rosh Hashanah. One reason is practical: most varieties of apples are hardy in many climates, whether harsh or mild, so they could make appearances at meals no matter the season. There’s also a metaphorical aspect. Some fruit trees shade their produce with new leaves, but apple trees offer their fruit no such protection. Being different could make these trees vulnerable, yet they thrive regardless—a sentiment carried by the Jewish people.
The tradition of dipping apples in honey dates back hundreds of years and was mentioned in the writings of Rabbi Jacob ben Asher, who codified Jewish law in the 1300s. Today, many tables will showcase apple honey cakes. (We also love these simple baked apples with honey.)
Pomegranate
The second night of Rosh Hashanah is time to enjoy the “new fruit,” or seasonal produce that hasn’t been tasted since the start of the season. The fruit symbolizes gratefulness for being alive and allowing us to taste all the delicious fruit the world has to offer.
The most typical new fruit is the pomegranate for its biblical significance—the Land of Israel was known for its pomegranates, and it’s one of the “seven species” of Israel—and for its abundant seeds. It’s hoped that good deeds and actions will be just as copious! Learn the easiest way to deseed a pomegranate. Then sprinkle the seeds on this Rosh Hashanah green bean recipe.
Challah
Another of the most recognizable features of a Rosh Hashanah meal, this braided egg bread is typically served on Shabbat. During Rosh Hashanah, the bread is shaped into spirals or rounds to symbolize continuity. The challah is often dipped in honey before eating, and shared around the table. We’ll show you how to make challah and nail that braiding step.
Honey Cake
Like challah, honey cakes are symbolic of the desire for a sweet, positive upcoming year. Most families have their own generations-old recipes, but it usually includes spices such as cloves, cinnamon and allspice, with some variations calling for coffee, tea or rum mixed in for greater flavor. Our honey cake recipe adds walnuts to add a depth of flavor to the spice.
Fish
Given that Rosh Hashanah translates to “head of the year,” a head has to make an appearance somewhere on the menu. While this may include the head of a sheep or rooster, it’s often as simple as a whole roast fish (vegetarians can swap in a head of cabbage or garlic). As a bonus, fish symbolize fertility and abundance. Vigilant, ever-swimming fish promote a new year of awareness and hard work.
Couscous with Seven Vegetables
This is one of the few savory options you’ll see on the table. The multitude of couscous beads represent the number of blessings you hope to have, while the number seven is considered fortuitous, as the world was created in seven days.
Leeks, Chard or Spinach
Like most Rosh Hashanah foods, the symbolism is tied to a pun on its Hebrew name—in this case, a close cousin of the word karet, which translates to “cut.” Eating leeks means hoping those who wish us ill will instead be cut off and their bad intentions punished.
Dates
Sweet dates, another of the seven species of Israel, may not seem to have much in common with leeks. But the Hebrew name, t’marim, also relates to punishing enemies—in this case, finishing them off. (Note that some rabbis believe that eating these foods actually symbolizes ending our own prejudices.) On a happier note, when the Torah refers to Israel as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” that means date honey.
Whether you’re cooking heirloom family recipes or joining loved ones for your first Rosh Hashanah, it’s a time to honor the past and welcome a year as sweet as the honey you’ll use to smother your challah.
Jewish Desserts Everyone Needs to Try
Chocolate BabkaBabka is a dense braided bread stuffed with sweet fillings like chocolate, cinnamon sugar, apples or raisins. You can thank Jewish grandmothers for its creation, as they would often twist leftover scraps of challah with seeds and nuts for a handy Sabbath snack.
Chocolate-Stuffed Dreidel CookiesThese cookies are not only decorated to suit the holidays, but they’re filled with a chocolate surprise that everyone will enjoy. To create perfect decorations, learn how to use a piping bag by practicing your design on waxed paper.
Passover MacaroonsThese flourless coconut cookies are particularly popular during Passover, but they're delicious enough to enjoy all year.
Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple LatkesThis sweetened version of the traditional potato pancakes combines cinnamon, orange juice, vanilla extract and apples. Top them off with cinnamon sugar and they’ll be a dessert you can’t stop thinking about!
Hanukkah CookiesThese cookies are perfect for celebrating Hanukkah. Made with cream cheese, these cookies have a richness that only gets richer with its buttercream frosting. You can pipe on frosting decorations or top with holiday sprinkles. And these cookies are just the start! Be sure to check out more Hanukkah desserts.
Passover Rainbow CookiesShannon Sarna, a home cook and editor at The Nosher, shares her family's most beloved dessert: rainbow cookies. These classic New York treats are traditionally served in synagogues and at Jewish celebrations, but actually have Italian roots. To make, you’ll bake three thin cakes, spread jam between them and coat with smooth melted chocolate.
SufganiyotYou’ll like these Hanukkah doughnuts a "hole" lot. Filled with raspberries and topped with confectioners’ sugar, you’ll definitely want to grab seconds of this dessert. If you’re a chocolate lover, give this recipe a creative spin by using a Nutella filling.
Egg Creams
An egg cream is an iconic Jewish drink. This fizzy, frothy drink is said to have been created in the 1900s by Louis Auster, a Jewish candy store owner in Brooklyn, New York. Interestingly, the drink contains no eggs—just 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup carbonated water and 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup. (Purists use the brand Fox's U-bet!)
Lemon Poppy Seed CakeThis uniquely delicious cake is often seen during Purim because the Yiddish word for poppy seed, mohn, is similar to the name of the villain of the Purim story, Haman. It can be in the form of a loaf, a Bundt cake or even a towering layer cake.
Walnut Honey CakeThis cake is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Light and fluffy, this cake doesn’t skimp on flavor with ingredients like orange juice, ginger, cinnamon and walnuts. You can even skip the frosting and get away with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
Originally Published: September 17, 2020
