Rosh Hashana, Israeli Style!
One of the most beautiful things about Jewish holidays in my opinion is the fact that Jews all over the world celebrate together, chanting the same prayers (sometimes with different melodies :)) and embracing similar traditions. No matter where you are in the world, you can join a Jewish family and feel at home.
But at the same time, Rosh Hashana in Israel is so unique. As opposed to the rest of the world, here in the Jewish State, Rosh Hashana is the mainstream, with an amazing feeling of something new and fresh in the air. There are so many Israeli Rosh Hashana traditions and customs that have developed over the years that are unique to Israel.
Let’s take a look at some of my favorites.
Ringing in the New Year
Here in Israel, the Hebrew year is not just another number, it’s our way of life! While in some places of the world, the new year may seem mostly symbolic, for us it’s everywhere. We name and identify school and academic years with the Hebrew year, have it written on every official document, on our calendars and so much more.
Celebrate Rosh Hashana like an Israeli
If you want to truly feel like you’re in Israel this Rosh Hashana, it’s time to bring Israeli flavors to your home.
Our boxes feature at least one food product each (and sometimes more!), adding an Israeli touch to your Rosh Hashana (and year-round) kitchen. All products are Kosher and made in Israel by small businesses.
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
I started Israelibox to give you the chance to experience Israel like Israelis do.
It’s time to celebrate… with presents!
Yes, that’s right. On Rosh Hashana Israelis typically give one another presents. It’s typical to show up to a meal with a hostess gift but also gifts for your loved ones and family that you’re sharing the holiday with. Gifts can range from toys, house goods, bottles of wine, olive oil, spices… basically anything!
Israelis bring their presents to the various get-togethers we hold throughout the holiday including dinners and lunches on both days of Rosh Hashana. Want to hold an Israeli-style gathering? Check out our blog on hosting like an Israeli.
Join me in supporting Israel in a unique way while enjoying the great products our small businesses have to offer.
A Family Affair – In White
It’s traditional in Israel to wear white on the holidays. It’s a beautiful tradition and it’s exciting to see everyone walking down the streets and getting ready for the holiday in their fresh new white looks.
From Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur to Sukkot, we go from one meal to the next, celebrating with family and friends the various holidays. Let’s put it this way… this is not the time to start a diet in Israel!
Slichot – A magical experience in Jerusalem
Slichot is a beautiful tradition in Judaism which takes on special meaning in the streets of Jerusalem in the high holiday period. There are slichot tours at night throughout the city throughout, looking at Jewish customs, hearing the history of various periods that the city has gone through and so much more.
The peak of the period is the mass prayers at the Kotel, or the Western Wall. Thousands of people flock to the Wall to participate in the prayers, creating a unique and totally magical experience. If you’re ever in Israel in the high holiday period, you must check it out!
Seder – Not only for Pesach
A tradition in many Sephardic homes, the Rosh Hashana seder is filled with sweets, blessings, and lots of food. As you may have guessed, the theme around the Seder is sweet. Foods are traditionally dipped in sugar or honey after the appropriate blessing is said.
The foods that we eat during the Rosh Hashana Seder are called simanim or signs. Depending on the family these include apples and honey, leeks, dates, pumpkin, pomegranate, the head of a fish, and more. Each “sign” has its own blessing and reasoning behind it.
In our family, we love to decorate the Seder table with chocolates and other candies to guarantee that we’re headed for the sweetest new year possible. The only problem? It’s hard to save room for the big meal afterward!
Let’s eat: pomegranates, dates, and more
We’re lucky here in Israel. We have the most delicious and wonderful fruits that have turned into symbols of the Rosh Hashana celebration.
Dates are one of the sweetest and most sensational products that grow in the land of Israel. With a wide variety of different kinds, every Israeli integrates dates or date syrup (silan) into their holiday celebration.
Pomegranates are no less spectacular in their beauty and taste. While we love to integrate the quintessential Israeli pomegranate in a wide variety of places and meals in Israel, Rosh Hashana is the clear star. Before the meal, kids often sit together and peel the pomegranate together (be careful, those gorgeous seeds stain!). Not only do we eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashana but we also love to use them to decorate our table and homes (both real and decorative pomegranate pieces)
Dates and pomegranates are part of the seven species which are listed in the Torah as products of the land of Israel. It’s traditional to eat these foods during the holiday and reminds us of our deep connection to our land.
Getting prepared in the workplace
Almost every workplace in Israel does what is called “haramat cosit” or literally to “raise the glass” (to say L’chaim) before Rosh Hashana and Pesach. It’s a way for employers to say thank you to their employees and gifts are customarily given. It’s a nice way to take a break from the everyday hustle and celebrate the new year with co-workers.
Rosh Hashana in Israel – A unique experience
One of my favorite parts about Rosh Hashana in Israel is the atmosphere. When you drive down the major highways it says “Shana Tova” on the billboards, your cab driver or supermarket cashier wish you a happy holiday, and excitement is in the air.
It’s a real feeling of new beginnings (and we all need that this year!).
While you may not be able to visit Israel on Rosh Hashana, Israelibox gives you the opportunity to celebrate with Israeli products, hand-picked from the best Israeli small businesses today. Our wide range of boxes including our dedicated Rosh Hashana box will help you feel that you’re celebrating right here in Israel.
Want to cook like an Israeli this holiday? Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
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Celebrate Rosh Hashana like an Israeli
If you want to truly feel like you’re in Israel this Rosha Hahana, it’s time to bring Israeli flavors to your home.
Our boxes feature at least one food product each (and sometimes more!), adding an Israeli touch to your Rosh Hashana (and year-round) kitchen. All products are Kosher and made in Israel by small businesses.
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
