The Sweet Foods of the High Holy Days

 

On Rosh Hashanah it is customary to eat foods that are sweet with flavor. This symbolizes the “sweetness and good fortune” of the New Year ahead. Foods flavored with honey, apples and carrots are commonly served. The Rosh Hashanah meal begins with apple and challah dipped in honey.

 

Challah, the bread usually eaten on the Sabbath, is also specially prepared for the holiday. Instead of the traditional braided loaf, the Rosh Hashanah challah is round – symbolizing the cycle of hihofood2the new year. The design of ladders or birds are added to the holiday challah by some families to commemorate the prayers rising to Heaven.

Video: Rosh Hashana: Sticky ‘n Sweet New Year