“Days of Awe” is the holiest time of the year in Judaism culture. It starts with Rosh Hashanah and culminates with Yom Kippur at sunset, 27 September this year.

So, let us speak a bit more about Rosh Hashanah customs and share some gift-giving ideas.

Greetings

The common greeting in Hebrew for Rosh Hashanah is  Shanah Tovah which means “have a good year”!

Shanah Tovah Umetukah – “Have a good and sweet year”!

For Yom Kippur, the final day of celebration, you can use these greetings:

Tzom kal – “Easy fast”!

G’mar Chatima Tovah – “May you be sealed for good [in the Book of Life]”

Forget about work!

Yom Kippur is “the Sabbath of Sabbaths,” so the rule against working on Shabbat also applies during this holy day.

Fasting

Yom Kippur is a regilious holiday, many people go to synagogue and pray. The idea of this holiday is to practice restrictions. These include abstinence from applying oils and perfumes to the body, wearing leather, bathing, , and eating and drinking. The exception is made for sick people and children.

The good news is the fasting stops at sunset!

The feast at the end of Yom Kippur usually consists of rich foods such as souffles, bagels, sweet kugel, cheese, and eggs. Some people prefer dairy-based dishes (not meat-based) because tthey are easier to digest.

Gift Giving

Family gatherings are a big part of Rosh Hashanah celebrations, and it is common for people to invite friends, neighbors, or members of the community to join them in celebrating. Tables are set with white tablecloths and napkins, and white dishes. Some people challenge that age-old rule about fashion etiquette by wearing new white clothing. Important Rosh Hashanah foods include apples, apple cake or honey cake, honey, Challah bread, and instead of the usually braided loaves, during Rosh Hashanah, loaves are round to symbolize circles that don’t have an end.

If you are disconnected from your closest people, you may think about arranging a flower delivery for them! Flower is a great gift and will show your love and concern.

For example, Flower Station offers discounted bouquets delivered the same day or next day in the UK. You can add a box of chocolates, a vase and a teddy bear to your order! Think about flower color symbolism when ordering a bouquet, they have a post about Rosh Hashanah flowers 🙂

If you are going for a more serious gift, think about a combination of flowers and food! FromYouFlowers offer international service for flowers and food baskets (we love them!) for all kind of occasions! Get well, birthday, housewarming and so on!

Another great international service suggesting great variety of white flower bouquets and kosher food baskets is 1800Flowers. They also offer centerpieces, bonsai, personalized gifts, spa packages and everything you may want to find!

And as always we will recommend build up your own basket! Igourmet offers a variety of Kosher products to choose from: you can always go with honey and fruit as it is a symbol of the new year!