Kahal Joseph Congregation

310.474.0559 / webmaster@kahaljoseph.org
10505 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Rosh Hashanah Seder

Simanim & Blessings

Symbolic Meanings of Foods at the Rosh Hashanah Seder

The reason for eating apples on Rosh Hashana is that apples can be enjoyed in three ways at once: through taste, beauty, and smell.  It is therefore a great symbol of our request for wellbeing, and to have life and plenty for the entire year. It is the same for the other foods we eat at this time, whose name, taste, or nature brings a good omen for a year of blessings.

Before starting on these blessings, we say the Kiddush for Rosh Hashanah and the blessing of Shehekheyanu, thanking Hashem for sustaining us with life and bringing us to this season once again. Afterwards, we wash our hands with a blessing, say hamotzi and eat a piece of bread. Then, we bless the fruit of the tree with bore peri ha’ets and eat a date or other fruit. Finally, we bless the produce from the ground, say bore peri ha’adama, and eat a plant such as watermelon or cucumber. 

Having completed these preparations, we commence to ask Hashem’s good favor with foods that serve as signs and invite good omens. 

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and directed us to wash our hands. (Amen)

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who brings forth bread from the land. (Amen)

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree. (Amen)

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the ground. (Amen)

Dates May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that an end be brought to our hateful enemies and those who wish ill on us.

Fenugreek May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that our merits increase.

Pomegranate May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that we be as full of mitsvot as a pomegranate is of seeds.

Gourd May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that You tear up evil decrees against us, and have our merits recited before You.

Quince May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that You bring upon us a good new year, as sweet as honey.

Spinach May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that our hateful enemies cease to exist.

Hawthorn May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that our hateful enemies be appalled.

Fish May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that we be fruitful and multiply like fish.

Leeks May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that our hateful enemies be cut off.

Head May it be Your will, O God and God of our forefathers, that we be like the head and not the tail, which is a commemoration of the ram of our Patriarch Isaac, peace be upon him!

We invite you to read more about the Rosh Hashanah Seder and symbolic foods from the Sephardic Educational Center.

Shana Tova U’Metuka, Wishing you a sweet, good new year

 

Kahal Joseph Congregation

10505 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.474.0559 / webmaster@kahaljoseph.org