Rosh Hashana Preparation

Sephardi custom starts from Rosh Chodesh Elul; Ashkenazi from the Motzei Shabbat before Rosh Hashana (at least 4 days prior). Check local shul schedule for early morning times.

Popular Jerusalem shuls fill up quickly. Reserve seats in advance if your shul requires it. Confirm exact times for Maariv, Shacharit, Musaf, and shofar blowing.

Decide who attends which services. Coordinate with Hannah so both can hear shofar. Many Jerusalem shuls offer later shofar blowing for parents — check schedule.

Locate machzorim for both nights and days. Bookmark Unetaneh Tokef, Avinu Malkeinu, and shofar service sections.

Apple and honey, pomegranate, dates, black-eyed peas (rubia), leek/karti, beet/silka, gourd/kra, fish head. Available at Machane Yehuda and most Jerusalem supermarkets.

Choose a fruit not yet eaten this season. Common choices: starfruit, persimmon, pomelo, or specialty tropical fruit. Jerusalem fruit shops stock exotic options before Rosh Hashana.

Bake or order round challot for both nights and both days. Many Jerusalem bakeries take advance orders — Marzipan, Berman's, Ne'eman. Dip in honey instead of salt.

Israeli wildflower or date honey adds a special touch. Small dipping bowls for each place setting. Baby-safe honey alternative for Ezra if under 1 year.

Traditional dishes: brisket, chicken, tzimmes, honey cake, apple cake. Plan quantities for family plus any guests. Cook in stages over the days before.

Soft cooked apple slices, mashed sweet potato/tzimmes, small pieces of challah with honey (if age-appropriate). Avoid choking hazards from round foods.

Soups, kugels, and main courses freeze well. Prepare 3-5 days ahead. Label containers with contents and which meal they're for.

Wine, grape juice, sparkling water, fruit juices. When Rosh Hashana falls adjacent to Shabbat it can be 3 days — plan accordingly.

Coordinate which dishes need reheating for each meal. Prepare aluminum foil coverings. Ensure plata is in a safe location away from Ezra.

Custom to wear new clothes on Rosh Hashana. New outfit for Ezra, Daniel, and Hannah. Shop early — Jerusalem stores are crowded in Elul.

Clean thoroughly as a fresh start for the new year. Focus on common areas, dining room, and kitchen. Prepare guest areas if hosting.

White tablecloth is traditional. Set out candlesticks, kiddush cups, honey dishes, and simanim plate. Flowers or a centerpiece.

Need candles for both nights — second night lit from existing flame. Purchase long-burning 48-hour candles as a flame source.

Jerusalem options: Botanical Gardens pond, Sultan's Pool area, or local parks with water features. Many communities organize group Tashlich — check shul announcements.

Pack water, snacks, sun protection (September is still warm in Jerusalem), and a siddur with Tashlich text.

Set out the new fruit for Shehecheyanu. Light candles from existing flame after tzeit hakochavim. Refresh the table and simanim.