Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. This year, starting at sunset on September 15 and lasting until nightfall on September 18, it’s a time to reflect, welcome the new year and (of course) eat delicious food with his relatives.
There are a few dishes you might expect to find on a typical Rosh Hashanah table, many of which have symbolic meaning. Apples and honey are a classic pairing, representing a sweet year ahead. Challah, usually braided into a long rope, is baked in a round shape during the holiday, to signify the circle of life. This is just the beginning: pomegranates, fish heads, carrots, beets, leeks, and dates all have symbolic meaning during the holidays.
Less than a week before the start of the festivities, it is time, like some members of our community have noted—to start planning your holiday menu. To get started, we’ve rounded up 38 of our best Rosh Hashanah recipes here.
For Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish families turn to classics like braised brisket, roast chicken, or even lamb – and we have plenty of options for all three. Do you want to keep the meal meat-free or pescatarian-free? Make fish the star of your meal (salmon is always a crowd-pleaser), or roast a whole cabbage or cauliflower for a surprising centerpiece.
As with any celebration, Accompanying dishes are essential. Roasted vegetables (especially carrots), kugel, and matzo ball soup are often served during Rosh Hashanah, as dishes made with pomegranate, leeks, and dates. Don’t forget the round challah, which is also a must-have part of the meal.
Rosh Hashanah is a holiday that truly embraces dessert, because candy is used to denote the sweetness of the coming year. Given their importance, honey and apple treats are popular choices, whether served in more traditional dishes. cake format or transformed into cookies or bars. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and add something chocolatey to the table, with a super easy chocolate and pomegranate bark or a flaky rugelach.
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What are your favorite recipes for Rosh Hashanah? Let us know in the comments!