Shana Tova! Happy New Year—the year 5,772. No, there’s no dancing in the streets of New York’s Time Square, no confetti, and no silver ball drop. Yes, a horn is played—the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn. It’s Rosh Hashanah when many celebrate the Jewish New Year in synagogues and at a festive gatherings over dinner with friends and family. As a faux foodie, I’m focusing on the food aspect of the season.
Like most holidays, this one is full of symbolism and traditions. And there is an abundance of holiday foods in round shapes with sweet tastes. Round challah loaves filled with raisins, cut and dipped in honey (some do dip it in salt) are part of the traditional holiday feast. There are comfort foods galore including brisket, chopped liver and a head of a fish—or lamb—reflecting Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year.” Kreplach, meat-filled dumplings, in broth; matzoh ball soup; and sweet carrot stew called tzimmes are menu musts. Other sweets eaten are apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year and pomegranates, symbolic of a year full of good deeds. Pomegranates also mark the custom of eating a new fruit, one not tasted before the season. Most bitter or sour flavors don’t make it to the high holiday table.
Rejuvenate, celebrate, and appreciate good friends, family, and food…that’s expected during this holiday kicking off the year 5,772.
Pear Twist 