By: Rabbi Chaim Yeshaya Freeman
The Gemara (Horiyos 12a) teaches that on Rosh Hashanah one should be accustomed to see certain foods as positive simanim: kra (gourd), rubia/lubia (carrots according to Ashkenazic custom; black-eyed peas according to Sephardic custom), karti (leek), silka (beets), and tamri (dates). Rashi explains that these foods grow and increase quickly, serving as a favorable omen for our mazal to flourish. The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 583:1) records the practice of eating these foods and reciting the corresponding Yehi Ratzon.
The Kaf Hachaim (583:6) writes that if one cannot or does not wish to eat a particular siman, one may fulfill the custom by looking at it.
One should first make the bracha, take a bite, and only then recite the Yehi Ratzon, so that it is not an interruption between the bracha and eating (M.B. 583:4).
There are different customs regarding the second night. Sha'arei Teshuvah (583:1) writes to repeat the simanim, while the Eshel Avraham of Butchatch (583:1) and Bnei Yissaschar (Tishrei 2:11) cite a custom not to. The Ben Ish Chai (Nitzavim 4) cites a custom to eat the simanim during the daytime meal as well.
The Rema (O.C. 583:1) records the widespread custom of eating a sweet apple dipped in honey and asking Hashem for a sweet year. He also mentions eating a pomegranate and asking that our merits increase like its many seeds.
Since apples, dates, and pomegranates require Borei Pri Ha'eitz even after Hamotzi, a separate bracha is required. There is a discussion whether dates should be eaten first because they are one of the Shiv'as HaMinim, or whether the apple should come first because it is the primary siman for a sweet year. One who follows the latter opinion should remove or cover the other fruits before making the bracha.
Many have the custom of dipping the challah in honey symbolizing our hope for a sweet year (M.B. 583:3).
The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 583:2) records the custom of eating the head of a lamb and saying that we should be “a head and not a tail,” while also remembering the ram of the Akeidah.
The Rema (O.C. 583:2) cites the custom not to eat walnuts on Rosh Hashanah. The poskim explain that egoz has the same gematria as chet, and walnuts can also cause excess mucus that may interfere with kavanah during davening. If walnuts were already cooked into a dish, they may be eaten bedieved (Shu”t Bear Moshe 3:97).
Some have the custom to avoid bitter foods, as we seek positive simanim (M.B. 583:5), and some refrain from grapes (M.B. 600:4, citing Ma'aseh Rav), based on the concern that this may arouse the sin of Adam according to certain opinions.
There is a widespread custom to recite Tashlich at a body of flowing water on Rosh Hashanah, generally on the first day unless it is Shabbos. The Mishna Berura (583:8) explains that this recalls the Akeidah, when Avraham Avinu passed through water on his way to the Akeidah.
The Rema (O.C. 583:2) records the custom to avoid sleeping during the daytime on Rosh Hashanah, so that we should not have a “sleepy” year. The Mishna Berura (583:9) cites the Arizal that after chatzos one may sleep.
Taken from the Kollel Avreichim Hollywood
