Celebrating Rosh Hashanah in Redwood City

This Sunday, as the day draws to a close, the Jewish community will ring in 5773. The Rosh Hashanah festivities will continue until nightfall on Tuesday.

• Congregation Beth Jacob (1550 Alameda de las Pulgas) will hold separate early and family services at 6 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. sanctuary service. For more information email cbj@bethjacobrwc.org or call 650-366-8481.
• Chabad of Mid-Peninsula is holding high holiday services at the Community Activity Building (Roosevelt 1400 Avenue) on Monday at 10:00 a.m. For more information email info@jewishredwoodcity.com or call 650-232-0995.

Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” signals the beginning of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, marks the end, and together they are two of the holiest days for Jews.

Like most New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection and a time to bring about changes in the coming year. The traditional blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn, during services on Rosh Hashanah marks a time to contemplate past mistakes and find ways to make things right.

After services Jewish families typically tuck into an elaborate spread of traditional dishes.

The day begins with eating apples dipped in honey, in hopes that the new year will also be sweet. Another tradition is to bake challah, a round-shaped bread that is a symbol of the circle of life.

So, it's time to get into that festive mood! Patch has come up with some great recipes that will make your Rosh Hoshanah meal extra special this year.

A Patch contributor shared their family recipe for a traditional meal complete with , and .

Want to try something new this year?

Take a look at this .

In the mood for some baking and indulging that sweet tooth at the same time? Try this recipe for .

Here’s wishing you L’shanah Tovah--the traditional Happy New Year greeting-- and B'tayavon (that’s Hebrew for bon appetit)!

Don’t be left out of the Redwood City conversation! Sign up for Redwood City Patch’s daily newsletter, “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter to get news, blogs, announcements and events.

Want to share your opinions with your community? Start your own blog here.