3 Misconceptions About Rosh Hashanah Recipes (And The Truth Behind Them)

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, many believers begin to plan their celebration meals—but in doing so, they often encounter confusion, assumptions, or misinformation about what “should” be on the table.

Below are three common misconceptions about Rosh Hashanah recipes, especially within the context of Messianic Jewish faith, and the truths that bring clarity, freedom, and joy to your feast preparations.

1. “Rosh Hashanah food must be strictly Ashkenazi.”

🧅 Gefilte fish or nothing?”

Misconception:

Many assume that Rosh Hashanah meals must follow Eastern European (Ashkenazi) traditions—like brisket, kugel, honey cake, and gefilte fish—to be considered authentic.

Truth:

The global Jewish world is incredibly diverse. Sephardic, Mizrahi, Ethiopian, and Yemenite communities have passed down their own beautiful Rosh Hashanah food traditions—using ingredients like dates, leeks, black-eyed peas, beets, and gourds.

In Messianic Jewish homes, recipes often reflect a blending of biblical symbolism, family heritage, and faith in Yeshua. Meals may include biblically significant foods like figs, olives, pomegranates, and honey—but in a variety of culturally inspired forms.

Authenticity isn’t about geography—it’s about covenant, remembrance, and worship.

2. “Everything on the table must be sweet.”

🍯 Because we want a ‘sweet year,’ right?”

Misconception:

Because of the popular tradition of dipping apples in honey, many believe that every dish at Rosh Hashanah should be sweet—or that savory flavors are inappropriate for the occasion.

Truth:

Sweetness is a beautiful and meaningful symbol of the prayer for a good year ahead. But the Rosh Hashanah table is more than a dessert buffet.

It’s a place for rich, balanced, and meaningful foods—from savory lamb or fish to fragrant vegetables, bitter greens, and spiced grains.

In fact, Messianic believers often prepare dishes that reflect biblical patterns of sacrifice, repentance, and renewal, not just sweetness. The meal tells a spiritual story, where sweetness is one note in a much deeper symphony.

3. “Kosher laws don’t apply anymore if you believe in Jesus.”

🥓 Bring on the bacon-wrapped figs?”

Misconception:

Some assume that because Messianic Jews believe in Yeshua (Jesus), they no longer need to observe biblical dietary commands—and that Rosh Hashanah meals can include anything.

Truth:

On the contrary, faith in Yeshua deepens our desire to obey God’s Word—not dismiss it. The Torah’s food instructions (e.g., Leviticus 11) are part of our identity as a holy people, and still express the wisdom and holiness of God.

Messianic families joyfully prepare meals that are biblically kosher, honoring commands like not eating unclean animals, and respecting principles like not boiling a young goat in its mother’s milk (Exodus 23:19).

While there may be different understandings around additional rabbinic interpretations, the biblical foundation is non-negotiable: our tables reflect our love for Adonai and our desire to walk in His ways.

📖 Summary Table

❌ Misconception ✅ Truth

Rosh Hashanah food/ must be Ashkenazi All Jewish and biblical cultures contribute to a rich, meaningful table

Every dish must be sweet Sweetness is symbolic, but variety honors the full spiritual message

Food laws are canceled in Messiah Yeshua fulfilled the Law—not abolished it; biblical kosher still applies