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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.
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:
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.
A round challah symbolizes continuity and the cyclical nature of time such as the changing of the seasons.
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.
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.
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:
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L'Indiscrete Sancerre 2021
Shop L'Indiscrete SancerreThis 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.
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Cantina Gabriele Pinot Grigio
Shop Cantina Gabriele Pinot GrigioThis 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.
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Matar Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Shop Matar Sauvignon BlancA zesty, citrusy option with pleasing florals in the mid-palate and subtle hints of melon and grapefruit enhances the flavors of traditional fish dishes.
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:
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Matar CB
Shop Matar CBA 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.
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Ramon Cardova Rioja
Shop Ramon Cardova Rioja Old VinesA 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.
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Teal Lake Shiraz
Shop Teal Lake ShirazThis 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.
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.
Sources:
- The Symbolic Power of Apples and Honey – Kosher Supervision of America – KSA
- Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah – More than a Shape
- Why Do We Eat Pomegranate on Rosh Hashanah?
- Why Do We Eat Pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah? - Chabad.org
- Fish Heads – Flavors of Diaspora
- The Symbolic Reason Fish Heads Are Eaten During Rosh Hashanah
- Elements of Sacrifice in Abraham’s Time and Our Own | Religious Studies Center
- 7 Inspiring Jewish Lessons From Fish - Chabad.org
- Pisces (Adar)
- Pairing Wine With Fish and Seafood
- Sancerre & Food Pairing
- A Guide to Pairing Wine with Lamb | JJ Buckley Fine Wines
- The 10 Best Wines With Lamb of 2022
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