Today people around the world are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Literally translated Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year”. Families and friends will get together to rejoice, enjoy festive meals, pray, and reflect on the past year. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur.
Last night on the eve of Rosh Hashanah my extended family got together to celebrate. We began our meal with a few symbolic foods, honey and crown loaves of challah.
Apple slices dipped in honey represent our hope for a sweet new year. Challah, which is usually baked into braids, is shaped into a crown loaves of bread on Rosh Hashanah. The circular shape symbolizes the continuation of life and God is referred to as royalty several times throughout the holidays.
Our family also serves many other traditional foods at this time of year. Take a look through the photo album to check out a few of my favourites.
Shana Tova! Wishing you and your family the best for a happy, healthy and fulfilling year.