Rosh Hashanah Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the traditional dinner for Rosh Hashanah? ›

Of course, the main part of the meal was always traditional Ashkenazi cuisine: raisin challah, matzo ball soup, brisket, kugel, apple cake, cookies, and other Northern European-style foods.

If you're attending a Rosh Hashanah celebration as a guest, it is customary to bring a gift. Traditional choices include honey, apples, pomegranates, or kosher wine. A sweet dessert or a bouquet of flowers could also be appreciated. It's always best to ask the host if there's anything specific they would prefer.

The sweet foods that are eaten during Rosh Hashanah are therefore meant to symbolise the hope for a sweet and happy year ahead. One of the most recognisable food staples that adorns the dinner table during Rosh Hashanah is apple and honey, a traditional combination that has passed down the generations for centuries.

According to Chabad.org, it's customary for some who observe Rosh Hashanah to go to a body of water to perform a Tashlich ceremony, which involves symbolically casting away their sins. Some people literally throw things like bread into the water, and some, following prayers, shake out the corners of their clothes.

Favorite recipes and sweet foods are popular choices for families on the first and second nights of Rosh Hashanah. Sour foods are usually avoided. Some people avoid nuts during Rosh Hashanah since the numerical value of the Hebrew letters in the word “nu*t” add up to the same number as the word “sin.”

Brisket. This deliciously tender, kosher cut of meat is perfect for feeding a crowd. Cook brisket low and slow for unforgettably rich results.

The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (129:9) writes that there is a minhag not to eat bitter or vinegary foods on Rosh Hashanah, but rather to eat sweet foods for a sweet year. The Rema (Orach Chaim 583:2) writes that some are careful not to eat egozim (walnuts) on Rosh Hashanah.

For Jews of Eastern European and Russian descent (Ashkenazi), an old-world-inspired celebratory feast would feature round challahs, chicken soup, a slow-roasted brisket or roast chicken, sweetened roasted root vegetables that always include carrots, and a wide variety of side dishes.

On Rosh HaShanah, we can say “shanah tovah umtukah,” which means “may you have a good and sweet new year.” The greeting can be shortened to “shanah tovah. Also, “shanah tovah.” ” (“a good year”).

What is Rosh Hashanah for dummies? ›

Rosh Hashanah

This is the holiday for the Jewish New Year. It literally means “head of the year.” In the Bible, it's called the Feast of Trumpets, or “Yom Teruah.” It literally means “Day of Blasting” because God commanded His people on this day to blast or blow shofars (rams' horns).

Rosh Hashana is also the Day of the Divine Judgement, when G-d looks into the past year and counts our deeds in this world. Therefore, many people will drink in relative moderation and will often not open their most expensive bottles. Instead, they will keep those for Sukkot.

Jews will often greet one another by saying "Shanah tovah" (pronounced shah-NAH toe-VAH), which means "Good year."

The meal begins with Kiddush, a blessing over wine, and then continues with blessings over round challah bread dipped in honey and other foods that express our wishes for a plentiful, spiritually uplifting, and sweet new year.

The Seder for the night of Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish tradition of eating a festive meal composed of symbolic foods, reciting psalms, and singing zmirot.

1st Course: If it's your first time hosting, I recommend choosing a simple first course: soup, salad, or fish. If you're pressed for time, soup is a good option, particularly if you have time to make it in advance.

A head of a fish, ram, or other kosher animal, is served. This symbolizes our desire to be at the "head of the class" this year. A pomegranate is eaten, symbolizing our wish to have a year full of mitzvot and good deeds as a pomegranate is filled with luscious seeds.