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Learn about the Symbolism of Apples and Honey at Rosh Hashanah. In Jewish tradition, apples and honey are a match made in heaven to wish for a sweet and fruitful year. The roundness of the apple represents the cycle of time and the honey represents the sweetness of the year to come.
This classic combo means beauty, sweetness and strength, healing and growth.
Honey means hope, sweetness and learning for the new year. It’s a reminder of God’s grace during the Israelites’ desert journey. The custom of dipping apples in honey goes back to medieval times when prayers were carved into apple skins before eating them. Reminds me of our story about pumpkin carving, a bit.
Honey is the star of the show this holiday. Another honey-based dessert for the New Year is Teiglach, a dessert that tastes like donuts. Serve with apple cider to add fall flavors to your meal. We have a bunch of different recipes for Rosh Hashanah desserts. From classic to modern, you can always squeeze in apples and honey!
Historical Roots
Honey is front and center. Not mentioned in the Bible, dipping apples in honey has been a tradition since 15th-century Germany and is cherished by Jewish families around the world as a ritual with deep meaning.
Rosh Hashanah with Apples and Honey
Add round challah stuffed with apples to your Rosh Hashanah table. This traditional honey cake recipe that my Aunt Jane shared with me is made with vegetable oil, honey, sugar and orange juice. During my lesson I had to keep stopping Aunt Jane to measure each ingredient because she used her hands to measure!
Modern Twists and Variations
Take your Rosh Hashanah dishes to the next level by adding apple cider vinegar or serving multiple types of apples. Each year I’m lucky to serve apples from our farm. We grow several types of apples, from Granny Smiths, a green crunchy apple great for baking to Fuji, a firm apple that’s as sweet as honey.
Snacking with Apples
For a crunchy snack, dip apples in honey then roll them in nuts or dried apples. Try olive oil in Apple Honey Cake or serve apples alongside it drizzled with more honey.
Wishing you a Happy Rosh Hashanah filled with peace, joy, and sweetness! 🕊️🍏🍯
