Eating apple slices dipped in honey is one of the most commonly observed Rosh HaShanah food traditions. But have you ever wondered why we consume this sweet treat?
While apples and honey does represent our hopes for a "sweet" new year, the practice of eating them also has roots in Jewish mysticism and ancient beliefs about the healing properties of apples. In Jewish mysticism the apple represents the Shekhinah (the feminine aspect of God), who some believe is watching and evaluating us during Rosh HaShanah. And in Talmudic times apples were believed to have such strong healing properties that they were commonly sent as gifts to people who were sick. Hence, eating apples for Rosh HaShanah also symbolizes our desire for a year of good health.
Learn more about Rosh HaShanah food customs in:
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