Rosh Hashana is a holiday celebrated by many Washington University students and is a celebration full of tradition including services, prayers and, most anticipated, food.

The Jewish New Year takes place from sundown Sept. 4 to nightfall on Sept. 6. During that time, families gather together to enjoy sweet delicacies, representative of the “sweet and pleasant” new year. Here is a list of a few customary dishes enjoyed during this holiday.

Apples and Honey 

Honey represents good living and wealth for the Land of Israel, which is often called “the land of milk and honey” in the Bible. The apples eaten on Rosh Hashana symbolize paradise.

Fish

Fish is eaten because it is an ancient symbol of fertility and abundance.

Round Challah

Challah is a braided egg bread that is traditionally served on Shabbat. During Rosh Hashana, however, the loaves are shaped into spirals or rounds, symbolizing the continuity of creation.

Honey Cake

Many Jewish households make honey cakes as another way to express their wishes symbolically for a sweet new year.

“New fruit”

This term refers to a fruit that has recently come into season but that people have not yet had the opportunity to eat. It is intended to thank God for bringing his people to this season. Pomegranates are often eaten because their abundant seeds symbolize hope for an abundantly prosperous year.