Jewish High Holidays

Symbolic Foods of Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah for Hebrew Year 5783 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 25, 2022 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. The words Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” and is the first of the High Holidays celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur.

One of the many traditions of Rosh Hashanah is centered around the food that is eaten. On Rosh Hashanah meals will traditionally include recipes with the sweetness of honey and apples in the spirit of a happy and healthy new year.

Another tradition is to serve a round instead of a long braided challah symbolizing the never-ending cycle of years and seasons. The spiral layers represents hope for upward progression through life’s cycles.

Below is a round challah recipe for Rosh Hashanah. For more recipes from community members, visit Merrick Girls Weekday Recipe Facebook group on line!

ROUND CHALLAH RECIPE

3 cups plus 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon quick rise yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 large egg, 1 1/4 cups warm water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

Egg Wash: 1 egg 1 tablespoon water

Put oil on your hands and work surface so the dough does not stick. Create a loaf shape from the dough and cut into 2/3 and 1/3 sections. Divide the larger section into 3 sections and roll out into thick strips. Braid strips and curl into a circle. Then divide the smaller 1/3 into 3 sections and roll into thick strips, then braid and curl into a circle. Place smaller curled dough on top of the larger curled dough.

Place challah formed dough on a tray covered with cooking spray and cover for 45 minutes. Dough should rise to double it’s size. Brush well with egg wash mixture of 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Add your favorite seed toppings or leave plan. Place in preheated 355 degree oven for 30-35 minutes. It’s ready when the top turns golden brown.

Community Yizkor Services

Chabad Center for Jewish Life - 2174 Hewlett Ave, Merrick. Yizkor Services Wednesday, Oct 5 at 9:30am and 11:45am (There is no charge for any High Holiday services, but reservation are required. A donation of $100 per seat is suggested. Visit chabadjewishlife.org to make a reservation and see full schedule of services.)

Congregation Beth Ohr - 2550 Centre Avenue, Bellmore Community Yizkor Services Wednesday, October 5 at 4pm

Merrick Jewish Centre - 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick Community Yizkor Services: Wednesday, October 5 at 4:30pm

Temple Beth Am - 2377 Merrick Avenue, Merrick Community Yizkor Services: Wednesday, October 5 at 6pm