A Guide to Rosh Hashanah

Honey Cake

Traditionally served the first night on Rosh Hashanah, this cake expresses hope that the year to come will be sweet. The flavor improves over time, so make it ahead and store it in a zip-top bag.

Recipe: Honey Cake

Challah

This traditional Jewish bread has a moist, rich texture and is often braided. Serve it round on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize the perfection of the year to come. At the post-service meal, dip the challah in honey and enjoy. Honey is symbolic for the desire for a good year, and represents wealth and a generally good life.

Recipe: Challah

Whole Roasted Trout with Asian Pear-Fig Chutney

One memorable tradition of Rosh Hashanah is eating the head of a fish during the holiday meal. While the head is a symbol of fertility and abundance, consuming it also represents the hope to be a leader in the world through moral living.

Recipe: Whole Roasted Trout with Asian Pear-Fig Chutney

Pomegranate and Beet Salad

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, celebrate by eating a new fruit that you haven't eaten this year while saying the shehecheyanu blessing, which gives thanks for life and the new season. We suggest a pomegranate, which is said to have 613 seeds, the same number as the mitzvoth.

Recipe: Pomegranate and Beet Salad

Marinated Grilled Apples with Mint

Serve sliced apples with honey to celebrate the hope of a sweet year to come. If you have leftover apples, throw a few on the grill later in the week for a delicious dessert.

Recipe: Marinated Grilled Apples with Mint

Roasted Carrots

Carrots, "meren" in Yiddish, also means "to increase." Serve roasted carrots with honey for a double-hit in welcoming the New Year: sweet symbolic honey and carrots, to represent the hope of increasing good deeds in the coming year.

Recipe: Roasted Carrots

More Faith-Based Foods

Recognize religious occasions with a flavorful meal.