The roots of a Rosh Hashanah Seder Horayot 12

Everybody knows what a Passover Seder is. In the last 50 years a Tu BiShevat Seder has become popular. But did you know that there is a Rosh Hashanah Seder whose roots can be found on daf TB Horayot 12. “Abaye said: Now that you said that an omen is a significant matter, a person should always be accustomed to seeing these on Rosh HaShana: Squash (קָרָא), and fenugreek (רוּבְּיָא,), leeks (כַּרָּתֵי), and chard (סִילְקָא), and dates (תַמְרֵי), as each of these grows quickly and serves as a positive omen for one’s actions during the coming year.” (Sefaria.org translation)

We have to distinguish between the official religion and the folk religion. The Torah forbids divination! “You shall not practice divination or soothsaying.” (Leviticus 19:26) and “Let no one be found among you who …is an augur, a soothsayer, a diviner, a sorcerer,” (Deuteronomy 18:10) Just like today’s Jews don’t always follow what the rabbis instruct, neither did the Jews in any other era. In fact their folk practices were probably more entrenched and observed in some of the laws of the official religion. So that the practice of having symbolic food doesn’t take on the form of divination, the Meiri teaches we should turn it into a prayer before eating any symbolic food. One should say “May it be Your will, God…”

Around the Rosh Hashanah table, Ashkenazi Jews dip apples and honey symbolizing that the new year should be as sweet as the honey. Sefardic Jews added other symbolic foods at the dinner table. A lot of times the meaning of these foods are a play on words. I shall give you a three of examples from Apples and Pomegranates: A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah by Rahel Musleah.

Rubia (רוּבְּיָא) or Lubia, green beans: May be your will, God that our merits increase (יִרְבּוּ). Pumpkin or Gourd (קָרָא): may it be Your will, God, to tear away all evil decrees against us as our merits are proclaimed (יִקָּרְאוּ) in front of you. Leeks, Scallions, or Chives (כַּרָּתֵי): may it be Your will, God their enemies be cut off (יִכָּרְתוּ). Without enemies, we hope for the blessing of friendship.

I encourage you to add symbolic food around your Rosh Hashanah table as another way of praying for a good year in 5786.