If the Chinese celebrate the lunar new year about a month later than the rest of the world, the Jews do it 9 months later. Called "Rosh Hashanah" -- which also means "head of the year" -- this holiday "takes place on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar," according to The Huffington Post. Yom Kippur, the "day of atonement," follows 10 days later.
"The new year is the only Jewish holiday that is observed for two days by all Jews (other holidays are observed for just one day within the Land of Israel) as it is also the only major holiday that falls on a new moon," the news source added. It is also on this day that the Jews wish each other a "good and sweet new year," and supports this hope with a spread of sweet treats.
And this is why food dipped or cooked with honey is popular during this holiday. Bakery owner Richard Heisler told CBS New York that he uses "1,000 pounds of honey to make pastries" over the next three days.
Knowing that, it's no surprise that the best dishes for the Jewish new year are bound to be the saccharine-y ones. Here are five of them.
Honey and Apple Tart
This is a novel, French version of the conventional apples dipped in honey commonly partaken during Rosh Hashanah. You can buy these at your local bakeshops or try making one yourself using this recipe.
Why apples and honey? Aside from the fact that the combination is tasty, both ingredients have symbolic significance, too. "According to Jewish mythology, the apple represents the Shekhinah - the feminine aspect of God - and eating the combination is said to encourage Shekhinah to judge kindly," the International Business Times said.
Challah
"The challah is round and symbolizes the circle of the year and the beginning and the end, and the beginning of the new year and what you hope for your family and friends and for the world," Susan Silberman explained CBS New York. As such, no Jewish new year celebration is complete without this food item, which is braided egg bread shaped into spirals. Want to make one for yourself? Try using this recipe.
Halibut with Leeks, Tomatoes, and Olives
"Having fish on the table is an omen for blessings in the year to come," The LA Times said. "When the fish is served, observant Jews recite a prayer expressing the wish "that we be fruitful and multiply like fish."
Try a new fish recipe this year, such as this delectable one. Make sure to use green instead of black olives!
Pearled Barley Salad with Apples, Pomegranate Seeds and Pine Nuts
Pomegranates must never be absent from a Rosh Hashanah dinner as the many seeds herald fruitfulness. Try this imaginative recipe that combines pomegranate seeds with apples and pine nuts.
Apple Tart
Want something easy and quick to whip up for the holiday? Try this simple recipe for a traditional dessert perfect for welcoming the new year.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
