Rosh HaShanah Symbolic Foods

ROSH HASHANAH SYMBOLIC FOODS

FISH

A fish head might seem unusual, but for many families its presence on the table is a longstanding tradition. A reference to the verse in Deuteronomy that teaches “God will make you the head and not the tail,” it reminds you to be a leader in the year ahead, to seek the courage to take on challenges, and stay focused on achieving your goals. CARROTS

In Hebrew, the word for carrot (gezer) shares a root with the word for decree (gezerah). Over these Days of Awe, we hope for positive decrees for our family, community, and the world.

BEETS

Beets (selek) sound in Hebrew like the word remove (silek). On Rosh HaShanah, we pray for the removal of the obstacles and stumbling blocks ahead of us. APPLES & HONEY

The most famous of the simanim for Rosh HaShanah, the sweetness of apples and honey help you welcome a good, sweet year.

BLACK EYED PEAS

The word for black eyed peas in Hebrew, lubiyah, shares a root with the word lev, heart. May you enter the new year with an open heart, and may your merits in the year to come bring you heartfelt joy and delight.