Thoughts for Food by Rabbi Jill

I am not much of a cook, but I really enjoy eating! My favorite meals are often with friends and family gathered around a Shabbat or holiday table. I used to love sitting at a meal and having long conversations about the Torah portion, or life in general. But, as a parent of two children, it can often be tough to have an uninterrupted or meaningful conversation over dinner. I have found that sharing fun facts with one or two age appropriate questions can get everyone around the table engaged, at least for a few minutes. Please enjoy this new column “Thoughts for Food” in each of our CRNE Newsletters.

Fun Fact #1
There are four new years in Jewish tradition (check out Mishna Rosh Hashanah 1:1). The 1st of Tishre (Rosh Hashanah), the 1st of Nissan (the beginning of spring), the 15th of Shevat (the New Year for Trees) and the 1st of Elul (the New Year for the Tithing of Animals).

There are other times throughout the year, like our birthdays, that we designate as our own “New Year”. What other “new years” are important to you?

What can you do to connect these moments to Jewish tradition or to mark them in a Jewish way?

Fun Fact #2
Apples and Honey are not the only symbolic foods people eat on Rosh Hashanah. Other customary foods include: leeks, beets, pomegranates and even fish heads (yum!).

What is a new food you might be willing to try this year?

What family customs do you want to create or keep for your Rosh Hashanah celebration?

Fun Fact #3
The outside of the shofar looks pretty, but the inside is pretty stinky

What makes you beautiful on the inside and outside?

May you all have a Shanah Tovah U Metukah,

Rabbi Jill
Director, Ramah DC Day Camp