Apples and Honey were one of the centerpieces of many homes last evening when the New Year of 5770 was celebrated. New Year? 5770? Apples and Honey? Blowing of Shofar's? WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT! According to the Jewish Calendar, not the Gregorian Calendar that most of us use, On 9/18/09 at sundown began the Jewish New Year of 5770. It is better known as "Rosh Hashana" or translated "head of the year." To most people in the Christian world, the apple actually has a pretty bad reputation. It was the alleged fruit that was responsible for the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. One bad apple can indeed spoil the whole bunch.
In the world of the Hebrew Scriptures however, the apple has a totally opposite meaning. The Song of Solomon says that, "As an apple is rare and unique among the trees of the forest, so is My beloved Israel among the nations of the world."
Another story or "midrash" says that the people of Israel are like the apple tree because they accepted the "teachings" or "Hebrew Scriptures" and agreed to do what the scriptures said even BEFORE understanding them. We will hear and we will do is what was uttered when the "commandments" were given to Moses at Sinai. As with anything Jewish, it has many levels of meaning.
Another story or "midrash" is that the apple was the fruit that gave Israel HOPE that they would once again have a future when they were in bondage in Egypt for 400 years.
One more thing. Rosh Hashana is also called the Birthday of Man. It is alleged that this is the day that
man was created and placed on the earth. So last night night as people dipped a slice of apple into some honey and ate it, even as the sages of old and as the Head of the Year. I wish everyone a happy, blessed and prosperous New Year!!!
An Apple + Sweet Honey = A Happy New Year.
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