Rosh Hashanah begins Sunday night! Are you ready? Whether or not you’re hosting Rosh Hashanah this year, use this last-minute checklist to make sure you have what you need to celebrate the start of 5783.
- Apples and honey — It’s a tradition to dip apples in honey on Rosh Hashanah to express the wish for a sweet new year.
- A round challah — A round challah is served on Rosh Hashanah (instead of a braided challah), symbolizing the circular nature of the year.
- A new fruit — It’s customary to eat a new, seasonal fruit (often a pomegranate) that hasn’t been tasted since the previous year.
- A fish head — Some people place a fish head on their Rosh Hashanah table to represent the “head” of the year and the hope of entering the new year as “leaders” (i.e. the “head”) as opposed to “followers.” If you don’t want to use a fish head, you could use a head of cauliflower or cabbage instead.
- A machzor — This is the prayer book that is used at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.
- A shofar — Obviously, you’ll need this if you’re blowing the shofar this year. If not, you can hear the shofar at services (you can look up where you can hear it in your community, like this resource for Brooklyn).
- Rosh Hashanah cards — Sending Shana Tova cards didn’t start with Hallmark, it’s a centuries-old tradition.
- Music — Get in the mood for Rosh Hashanah by listening to Avinu Malkeinu.
- Menu planning for Rosh Hashanah — If you’re hosting a meal for Rosh Hashanah, check out these 9 easy dishes to serve.
- Learn more about Rosh Hashanah — Check out our guide to the holiday, these genius hacks that will save you time this High Holiday season, and advice on making the most of another hybrid High Holidays.
Originally Published Sep 22, 2022 08:07AM EDT
