While looking through the books of High Holiday cards last month to pick out the one I will send out this year to family and friends, I noticed one card that listed various foods that had special meaning for the Jewish New Year.  Some I already knew, most I didn't.  I copied them down to share with you.

Always looking for simple ways to add meaning to the traditions we celebrate at home, I will be certain to add some of these foods to my table this year and, of course, use them to encourage interesting table talk. 

 

Dates:  that our enemies be consumed

Beets:  that our adversaries be removed

Carrots:  that our merits increase (I've also read that we should slice them to look like coins and then they symbolize wealth)

Apple:  renew for us a good and sweet

year

Gourds:  may our merits be proclaimed before God

Fish:  be fruitful and multiply like fish

Leeks:  that our enemies be decimated

Pomegranate:  that our merits increase as the seeds of a pomegranate (also, the pomegranate is said to have 613 seeds--the same as the number of mitzvoth.  And, I've also heard pomegranates symbolize fertility, again because of the number of seeds)

 

The colors of these different foods will make a gorgeous centerpiece--I can't wait to start.  Plus, I love beets--so delicious roasted with chicken or served with arugula and shaved parmesan for a salad (oh, used this to accompany a poached salmon and a pasta with sauteed leeks and you've used three of the symbolic foods!)  Pomegranates are fun to try--slice them open and just eat the seeds.  And, it's easy to get kids to eat carrots.

So, this year, think beyond the standard apples and honey and add some new traditions to your Rosh Hashana.

 

From our home to yours--L'Shanah Tova.

 

 

 

 

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