Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year calls for gifts that carry meaning and sweetness. Whether you are bringing something to a holiday dinner or wishing someone a good year ahead, these ideas match the occasion, apples, honey, and everything that says shanah tovah.
Rosh Hashanah is not a major gift-giving holiday, but if you are invited to a New Year meal it is customary to bring a gift for the host, and sweet, symbolic gifts fit best. Popular choices include honey or a honey cake, apples, a bottle of wine, flowers, or a keepsake for the table. Sending a Shanah Tovah card or a sweet gift to wish someone a good and sweet year is also a warm tradition.
9 Ideas Worth Giving
JewSA Basic Tee
Punny, proud, and guaranteed to start exactly one conversation per family member.
View the idea →Wine for the Cups
You cannot do a seder, or a Shabbat, without it. Bring the good stuff.
View the idea →Honey and Apples Gift Set
Apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year, the most Rosh Hashanah thing there is.
View the idea →Round Challah for the Holiday Table
Round for the new year, braided for every Shabbat, bread as a gift always works.
View the idea →Pomegranate Dish or Artwork
As full of blessings as the pomegranate is full of seeds.
View the idea →Charitable Donation in Their Honor
Tikkun olam, repairing the world, made in someone's name.
View the idea →Challah Board and Cover Set
Practical, beautiful, and used every single week, a gift that earns its place.
View the idea →Shofar
The ram's horn that wakes up the soul for the new year.
View the idea →Jewish Bakery Treats
Babka, honey cake, rugelach, bring the good stuff and get invited back.
View the idea →Common Questions
What do you bring to a Rosh Hashanah dinner?
A host gift is customary. Sweet and symbolic choices fit best: honey or honey cake, apples, wine, flowers, or a keepsake for the table. Apples dipped in honey symbolize the wish for a sweet new year, so honey-themed gifts are especially fitting.
Do you give gifts for Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is not primarily a gift-giving holiday, but bringing a gift to a holiday meal and sending Shanah Tovah greetings to loved ones are common and warm customs. Sweet gifts that echo the theme of a sweet new year are the most fitting.
What is a good Rosh Hashanah hostess gift?
Honey or a honey cake, a round challah, apples, a nice bottle of kosher wine, flowers, or a lasting item for the table such as a honey dish are all thoughtful choices. Anything that echoes the sweetness of the new year will be appreciated.
What do you write in a Rosh Hashanah card?
The traditional wish is Shanah Tovah, meaning good year, or the fuller L'shanah tovah u'metukah, for a good and sweet year. A short note wishing the recipient health, happiness, and a sweet year ahead is always welcome.
Should Rosh Hashanah food gifts be kosher?
If the recipient keeps kosher, choose certified kosher food and wine to be safe. When you are unsure, non-food gifts like flowers or a honey dish avoid any question while still fitting the sweetness of the holiday.