Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year is the anniversary of the Creation. Jewish people religious or secular celebrate this holiday all over the world. This holiday is celebrated for 2 days in most places except Israel where it celebrated only one day. Different parts of the world celebrate with different foods as well as different types of Challah (bread used for the Sabbath and holidays except Passover). The meaning and purpose of the holiday is the same no matter where you live. It is a time of repentance and self examination.

The table during Rosh Hashanah has many sweet and delicious delicacies. A round Challah is used, sometimes laced with raisins to signify a sweet and happy year.   Many dishes have honey, raisins, carrots and apples all to help achieve a sweet year. No bitter or sour dishes have a place on the table.  Each culture has particular foods it will and will not eat. Many cultures use apples and honey. The blessing said before eating this means "may God renew unto us a good and sweet year." The next night a new fruit is eaten, preferably a pomegranate because of the many seeds it has.  The reason for this is so we hope we may be rich and inspired by religious acts of piety.

Typical Rosh Hashanah foods in America may  include vegetable soup, salad with sweet dressing, sweet kugels ( made with noodles raisins, sugar and cinnamon), carrot tzimmes( a dish made with carrots, sweet potatoes, pineapple  and brown sugar), roast turkey, brisket or orange pineapple chicken, gefilte fish, apple cake, or honey cake. Many families also have incorporated recipes from other family members and friends. There are abundant Jewish cookbooks available that are just for holidays. Of course you can always hire a caterer or buy some items already prepared at a kosher market.

New Years cards are another way to extend New Years Greetings. Jewish people's relationship to God and person to person is important. Some people verbally express Gmar Hatimai  Tova , which means "we wish each other to be written in the book of life," while others make phone calls and still others send New Years Cards. There are many available today and can be found any where cards are sold. There are Jewish book stores and synagogue or Temple gift shops, Internet sites, E- cards and you can also make your own.  The sending of cards is probably a tradition that has evolved over time. After all it is a thoughtful way to wish a Happy New Year to your Jewish friends and family. It could also become a great family activity to do with your children. Many people save these cards and decorate their Sukkah for the holiday of Succoth.    No matter what your reason is for sending the cards know that the person receiving it will be thrilled.

Rosh Hashanah is a wonderful holiday celebrated with pious praying, delicious, sweet foods, a new fruit, sounding of the shofar, round challahs and the sending of New Years Cards. Create a time for you, your family, and friends that will bring joy and happiness during this most important holiday. The memories you make today will continue on through generations to come.