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Rosh Hashanah is steeped in rich food traditions, from fruits like apples dipped in honey and pomegranates to the Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions of fish and lamb heads. Here, we share the stories behind these traditional dishes with tips on finding the perfect pairings for Rosh Hashanah for your holiday table.

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The Symbolism Behind Rosh Hashanah Customs

There is deep meaning behind the traditional foods served at Rosh Hashanah, with interesting symbolism tied to our faith, including:

Apples and Honey
Apples and Honey:

Eating apples and honey symbolizes the hopes for a year of sweetness and prosperity. The apple celebrates the sweetest moments of life, and honey reminds us of possible hardships like the bee’s sting. While the sweetness of the apple is assured, the added sweetness of honey warns us that only with life’s challenges can we truly appreciate life’s sweetest moments.

Round Challah
Round Challah:

A round challah symbolizes continuity and the cyclical nature of time such as the changing of the seasons.

Pomegranates
Pomegranates:

The pomegranate is associated with a number of symbols, which are often a topic of discussion among rabbis. For example, while the pomegranate symbolizes righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom, some believe the “613 seeds” of the pomegranate represent the 613 commandments of the Torah. Another interpretation is that the pomegranate reminds us that although some Jews are lacking, we all contain mitzvahs as surely as a pomegranate is filled with seeds. There is also the idea that we all pray we are judged only on our inner intentions, represented by the seeds of the pomegranate that shows our desire to do good as opposed to the skin or our outward actions, which shows our sinful behavior.

A roasted fish head garnished with herbs, served on a plate with lemon wedges and pomegranate in the background.

Ashkenazi Tradition – Why do we eat fish heads on Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the “head of the year,” with the fish head on Rosh Hashanah symbolizing this start. However, fish also represent prosperity, symbolizing the hopes of being at the head of luck. According to the Torah, Moses was told: God shall place you as a head and not as a tail, meaning we should all strive to lead instead of follow.

It’s also interesting to note that the Hebrew month of Adar is the zodiac sign of the fish Pisces. The fish symbol shows two fish: one going against the stream, representing potential and the other swimming downstream, representing the easy route as a sign of weakness. This also ties into the idea of leading instead of following.

Other Jewish teachings inspired by fish include:

  • Fish always swim forward, which reminds us to remain focused on the future yet maintain memories that inform our decisions.
  • Fish move at their own pace, which ties back to King Solomon’s advice to “Educate a child according to his way.”
  • Because fish never sleep, it reminds us of the dangers of complacency and letting our guard down.
  • A belief in the importance of the Torah throughout our lives is reflected in the words of the first-century sage Rabbi Akiva, who said, “As water is to a fish, so is Torah to the Jew.”
  • The fish’s return to its breeding grounds symbolizes our ability to circle back to our roots and true identity no matter how far we stray.
Shofar with honeycomb, apples, and pomegranate, symbolizing Rosh Hashanah traditions.

Sephardic Tradition – The Lamb/Goat Head

Although the lamb's head at Rosh Hashanah shares many of the same symbols as the fish head, a particularly important role of the goat or lamb’s head in Sephardic tradition is a reminder of the ram that spared Isaac. This biblical story is traditionally read on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

Perfect Wine Pairings for Rosh Hashanah

Use this guide for perfect Rosh Hashanah wine pairings to elevate your meals.

Fish Pairings

White wines are always a safe choice with fish, although some rosés are also highly complementary for dishes served with richer sauces. Some Rosh Hashanah wine suggestions include:

  • A bottle of L'Indiscrete Sancerre wine with grapevines and green grapes in the background.

    L'Indiscrete Sancerre 2021

    This lovely pale gold Sancerre’s aroma hints at the mineral-driven flavors with subtle flint and limestone notes under vibrant lemon, green apple, and orange peel. Perfectly balanced, this crisp white pairs beautifully with the light, delicate flavors of fish such as trout, salmon, and Dover sole.

    Shop L'Indiscrete Sancerre 
  • A bottle of Cantina Gabriele Pinot Grigio wine with green leaves and red grapes in the background.

    Cantina Gabriele Pinot Grigio

    This aromatic white is refreshingly balanced with tropical fruit flavors providing the perfect complement to the subtle, slightly oily texture of fish dishes, including striped bass. It also pairs perfectly with simply prepared lean, white fish.

    Shop Cantina Gabriele Pinot Grigio 
  • A bottle of Matar Sauvignon Blanc wine with green leaves and a black grape in the background.

    Matar Sauvignon Blanc 2023

    A zesty, citrusy option with pleasing florals in the mid-palate and subtle hints of melon and grapefruit enhances the flavors of traditional fish dishes.

    Shop Matar Sauvignon Blanc 

Lamb/Goat Pairings

Most people enjoy a robust red wine with lamb to offset the slightly gamey taste. Red is also the perfect Rosh Hashanah brisket wine. The trick is choosing a wine that won’t overpower the flavor of the meat. You might consider the following selections for your meal:

  • A bottle of Cb Matar wine with green leaves and a black grape in the background.

    Matar CB

    A brilliant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc has hints of coffee, dark plum, and violet. It is particularly good at standing up to the rich, savory flavors of roasted lamb or goat, enhancing the dish’s herbal and meaty notes.

    Shop Matar CB 
  • A bottle of Ramon Cardova Rioja Old Vines wine with a grapevine and black grapes in the background.

    Ramon Cardova Rioja

    A robust, luxurious wine with earthy, spicy undertones and flavors of ripe berries, balsamic, pepper, and vanilla. The notes of dried herbs pair perfectly with the depth of flavor in lamb or goat head, especially when served with an herby dressing.

    Shop Ramon Cardova Rioja Old Vines 
  • A bottle of Teal Lake Shiraz wine with grapevines and green grapes in the background.

    Teal Lake Shiraz

    This vibrant red’s purple hues hint at the intensely spicy cherry, ripe fruit flavors and unexpected hint of anise, making it an excellent pairing for the rich taste of a roast leg of lamb or goat.

    Shop Teal Lake Shiraz 
A jar of honey surrounded by sliced apples, pomegranates, and pomegranate seeds, symbolizing traditional foods for Rosh Hashanah.

Embracing the Full Rosh Hashanah Experience

Embracing both the well-known and unique customs of Rosh Hashanah helps deepen your connection to the holiday, with the added enjoyment of sharing new experiences and insights with family and friends. While serving the symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah, the right wine pairing can elevate your holiday meal, creating a memorable and meaningful experience your guests will cherish for years to come.

While we often partake in the customs of Rosh Hashanah we often forget or perhaps not even understand the symbolic meaning behind apples and honey, pomegranate and the inclusion of fish and lamb heads at the table. Whether you follow Ashkenazi or Sephardic traditions, Kosher Wine Warehouse offers the perfect Rosh Hashanah wine pairings to enhance your celebration.

Discover the Perfect Wines to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a deeper understanding of its rich traditions and the perfect wines to complement your holiday meal. Explore our curated selection at Kosher Wine Warehouse today.

Shop Wines for Lamb Pairing Shop Wines for Fish Pairing

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