Sweet Greetings

How do we greet one another on the Jewish New Year?

We call out “Shanah tovah!” – Have a good year!


Or “Shanah tovah umetukah!” – Have a good and sweet year!


A key Rosh Hashanah custom for making things sweet is dipping apples in honey. With a supply of apples – store-bought or hand-picked – you can try the following activities:

Hands On!

Easy Baked Apple Dessert

Make your family a sweet treat for a sweet new year.

Ingredients
  • 4 apples
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup raisins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Carefully core the apples with a paring knife (a grown-up’s job). Mix 2 Tbsp of the butter and the honey, oats, and raisins together in a small bowl, then scoop the mixture into the cored apples. Brush apples with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Arrange apples in a baking dish or on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until apple pierces easily with a sharp knife. Cool for a few minutes, drizzle with a little more honey, and enjoy!

Make Apple Cards

Many people send cards to their friends and families around Rosh Hashanah to wish them a happy new year. You can create apple stamps to make your own homemade cards. 

Supplies
  • Apples
  • Forks
  • Paper plates
  • Acrylic paint
  • Fine-tipped marker
  • Heavy card stock
Directions
  1. Cut apples in half. Any shape works, but if you cut them across the middle, you’ll have a star. 
  2. Stick a fork in the back of the apple for a handle. 
  3. Spread paint out on a paper plate. Dip the apple in the paint, then stamp it on your card stock.
  4. Let paint dry, then embellish with a little stem or leaf. Add a new year’s message such as “Shanah tovah — Happy New Year!”