Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a time of self reflection, introspection, and excitement for the year ahead. If you’ve been invited to a Rosh Hashanah celebration, it’s nice to bring along a gift to thank your hosts. Read on to learn all about Rosh Hashanah and discover our picks for the best Rosh Hashanah gifts this high holiday season.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish new year. It’s a two-day long holiday that commemorates God’s creation of the world and encourages introspection and self-reflection. According to the Rabbis, during Rosh Hashanah, God reviews the past year. He “writes” the fate of every Jewish person, righteous or wicked, then gives everyone the next 10 days until Yom Kippur to repent for their sins. On Yom Kippur, God “seals” the fate of every Jew.
Unlike the secular world, which follows the solar Gregorian calendar, Judaism follows the lunar Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah falls on the first two days of Tishrei, which is typically in late September to early October.
What are Rosh Hashanah Traditions?
The Jewish new year isn’t a holiday of partying and celebrations. Read on to learn about the main traditions that celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
Religious Services
Like the other Jewish high holidays, Rosh Hashanah is observed in synagogue. We attend special Rosh Hashanah services with special Torah readings and unique prayers. Rosh Hashanah services tend to be some of the most crowded services of the year.
Blowing of the Shofar
A shofar is an instrument made of a hollowed out ram’s horn. The sound of the shofar blowing is said to reach the heavens. During Rosh Hashanah, it’s considered a mitzvah, or good deed, to hear the blowing of the shofar. The shofar is blown throughout Rosh Hashanah services in different melodies.
Tashlich
Rosh Hashanah also includes a special ceremony known as Tashlich. On the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, we visit a body of water and symbolically cast our sins into the water in the form of pieces of bread. Tashlich is believed to help us begin the year anew.
Customary Foods
There are a number of customary foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah. These include:
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Apples and honey: Apple slices are dipped in honey and then eaten, symbolizing a sweet new year.
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Round raisin challah: A special, round challah symbolizes a complete, continuous year. Raisins are added to again symbolize the sweetness of the new year.
Our Picks for the Best Rosh Hashanah Gifts
Whether you’re attending a Rosh Hashanah dinner at a friend’s house or visiting with family after synagogue, bringing a gift is a great way to show your appreciation. Discover our best picks for great gifts for Rosh Hashanah.
Challah Cover
A beautifully crafted challah cover is a Rosh Hashanah gift that can be used year-round. There are a number of reasons we cover challah on Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat, and other holidays. It preserves the challah’s freshness, much like layers of dew preserved the freshness of manna as Jews wandered the desert. It also helps signify the transition to the meal after completing the kiddush.
While many types of fabric can be used for challah covers, they are commonly engraved with words that represent their usage. An exquisitely designed challah cover adds an extra layer of elegance to your festivities. It's more than just a cover; it's a symbol of the traditions that bind us.
Rosh Hashanah Gift Basket
As with so many Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah puts a heavy focus on foods. Next time you’re looking for a Rosh Hashanah gift, why not assemble a unique gift basket full of Rosh Hashanah essentials. We recommend apples and honey, honey cake, and other treats to represent a sweet new year.
Candle Holders
Lighting candles is a cherished tradition that symbolizes the warmth and unity of the Jewish community. Candles are lit on each night of Rosh Hashanah to gather the community and mark the transition into and out of the holiday. A pair of gorgeous candle holders make for a Rosh Hashanah gift thatnot only illuminates your space, but also infuses it with a sense of togetherness and positivity.
Conversation Cards
Next on our list of Rosh Hashanah gifts is one that’s truly unique: conversation cards. Meaningful conversations are at the heart of any celebration. A set of thoughtfully crafted conversation cards is designed to spark deep and engaging dialogues, helping you and your loved ones connect on a deeper level. Gift your favorite to inspire conversation during your Rosh Hashanah gatherings.
Shop Gifts for Rosh Hashanah from Oneg Home
Looking to make your next Rosh Hashanah season truly special? Shop gifts for Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish holidays from Oneg Home. Our beautiful, contemporary tools and gifts make celebrating Jewish holidays accessible, while remaining contemporary and thoughtful. Find the perfect gift for your hosts, whether friends or family, from Oneg Home.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should i give my host a rosh hashanah gift?
There’s no wrong time to give a Rosh Hashanah gift. Traditionally, people gather together for dinner on this holiday. That’s the perfect time to pass along a gift for Rosh Hashanah. Presenting it at the door is a warm way to start the celebration. If you’ve decided to gather in the afternoon after services, that’s a great time to give a gift, too.
Looking to give a gift to a friend or family member who lives far away? Send it to arrive a few days before the holiday. That way, they can incorporate your thoughtful Rosh Hashanah gift into their upcoming celebration!
Do you give gifts on both nights of Rosh Hashanah?
While you certainly can give gifts on both nights, it’s in no way expected. A simple Rosh Hashanah gift to thank a host or given to a friend or family to celebrate the new year is perfectly sufficient.
Do Rosh Hashanah gifts need to be kosher?
It depends on the practices of your recipient. If you feel comfortable, you can ask whether they keep kosher ahead of time. Or, you can air on the side of caution and stick to a kosher gift. Of course, this only applies to food and drinks.
What items are traditional for a Rosh Hashanah meal?
Traditional Rosh Hashanah meals include round challah symbolizing the cycle of the year, apples dipped in honey for sweetness, and pomegranates representing abundance. Fish, wine, and honey cake are also common, each carrying hopes for a good new year.
Can the challah cover and candle holders be used after the holiday?
Absolutely. A challah cover and candle holders make for versatile Rosh Hashanah gifts that can be used again and again throughout the year. They are perfect for weekly Shabbat celebrations all year long, as well as Yom Kippur and other significant holidays. Using them beyond Rosh Hashanah keeps the spirit of the holiday alive and adds beauty and intention to your regular yearly rituals.
What kinds of gifts are appropriate for Rosh Hashanah?
Appropriate Rosh Hashanah gifts carry themes of sweetness, renewal, and blessing. Honey, challah covers, candle holders, and beautiful Judaica are thoughtful choices. Gifts for Rosh Hashanah that support meaningful rituals or bring families together around the table feel especially fitting for the new year.
How do I use the discussion cards during the celebration?
Place discussion cards on the table and draw one between courses or after the meal begins. Read the prompt aloud and let conversation flow naturally. They're designed to spark reflection and connection, making your gathering more meaningful and memorable.
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