Apple and Honey Dish Set Symbolism for Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah

The Significance of Apples and Honey for Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection and renewal, when Jewish families gather together to celebrate the sweetness of the upcoming year. A hallmark of this holiday is the tradition of eating apple slices dipped in honey.

The Meaning Behind the Tradition

Apples and honey hold deep symbolic meaning. The apple represents the Divine Presence, while the sweet honey signifies the wish for a new year that is as sweet and fruitful as the ripe apple itself. Eating this powerful combination allows Jews to internalize their hopes for happiness, health, and prosperity in the coming year.

Preparing Apples and Honey for Rosh Hashanah

Most Jewish families will prepare a special dish of apple slices drizzled or dipped in honey to be enjoyed at the Rosh Hashanah dinner table. Typically, golden delicious or red delicious apples are used. The apples should be washed, cored, and sliced into wedges for easy dipping into the honey. For best results, use a high quality honey such as wildflower or clover honey. The sweet, sticky consistency will nicely coat each apple slice.

Displaying Apples and Honey

Apples and honey are often beautifully displayed in special Rosh Hashanah dishware to adorn the holiday table. Crystal or glass apple-shaped dishes filled with clover honey can serve as charming centerpieces. Alternatively, apples and honey can be artfully arranged on pretty platters for easy passing around the table. For a modern touch, serve honey in dipping cups alongside a wooden apple board showcasing freshly cut apple wedges.

Reciting Blessings Over Apples and Honey

At the Rosh Hashanah meal, special blessings are recited over the apples and honey before they are tasted. The apples represent the shehecheyanu blessing, thanking God for allowing us to reach the holiday season. A blessing over the sweetness of the honey follows, to bring sweetness into the new year.

The Shehecheyanu Blessing Over Apples

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v'kiyemanu v'higianu lazman hazeh.

This translates to: "Blessed are You, Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion."

The Blessing Over Honey

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam borei p’ri ha’etz.

This translates to: "Blessed are You, Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the tree."

Celebrating the Sweet New Year

After reciting these important blessings, family and friends can dip apple slices into honey and enjoy the sweetness. The tradition captures the Jewish people's hopes for health, happiness, prosperity and peace in the days ahead. It is a time to reflect on sweet beginnings and renew commitments in the new year.

Apples and honey are more than just a symbolic Rosh Hashanah tradition. The dish brings families together through the preparation and presentation of this iconic food. Reciting blessings over the apples and honey provides a moment for Jews to connect with their heritage. And the sweetness filling our palates stirs optimism and joy as the Jewish community rings in the new year.

FAQs

Why are apples and honey eaten on Rosh Hashanah?

Apples dipped in honey are eaten on Rosh Hashanah as a symbolic prayer for a sweet new year ahead. The apples represent the divine, while the honey signifies hopes for happiness and prosperity in the coming days.

What blessing is said over apples on Rosh Hashanah?

The following Shehecheyanu blessing is recited over apple slices on Rosh Hashanah: "Blessed are You, Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion."

What types of apples should be used?

Most families use sweet apple varieties like Golden Delicious or Red Delicious. Choose apples that are firm, crisp, and at the peak of freshness for the optimal texture to dip into sticky honey.

How is honey presented on the Rosh Hashanah table?

Honey is often beautifully showcased in apple-shaped dishes or dipping cups, accompanied by platters of apple slices. The apples and honey may be artfully arranged to adorn the holiday table as a centerpiece.