The Rosh Hashanah Seder

In addition to the usual apples and honey, some Jews have the custom of adding special foods to their Rosh Hashanah table. Each of these foods has symbolic meaning tied to its name in Hebrew. We set our tables with bowls of these seven foods and before eating each of them, we offer a wish to God and a question upon which to reflect.

Dates: May it be your will, God, that enmity will end.

• What enmity or hostility do you need to excise from your life this year?

String beans: May it be Your will, God, that our merits increase.

• What was the most meritorious this you did this past year?

Pumpkin: May it be Your will, God, to tear away all evil decrees against us, as our merits are proclaimed before you.

• What do you wish that God would know about you this year?

Beets: May it be Your will, God, that all the enemies who might beat us will retreat, and we will beat a path to freedom

• Which enemies did you defeat this year?
• Which freedom will you pursue in the year ahead?

Scallions: May it be Your will, God, that our enemies be cut off.

• What negative things will you cut out from your life this year?

Pomegranate: May we be as full of mitzvot as the pomegranate is full of seeds.

• What one new mitzvah will you add to your life this year?

Apple: May it be Your will, God, to renew for us a good and sweet year.

• What is the sweetest thing you anticipate happening this year?