As Israel welcomes Rosh Hashanah (11th – 13th September 2026), the Jewish New Year, the country comes alive with age-old traditions, festive flavours and gatherings centred around reflection, renewal and hopes for a sweet year ahead.

What does a new year taste like? In Israel, it can be the sweetness of an apple dipped in honey, the jewel-like seeds of a pomegranate, freshly baked challah shared around a family table, or a festive meal bringing generations together.

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and is one of the most significant celebrations in the Jewish calendar. Observed over two days, it is a time for reflection and renewal, as families look back on the year gone by and welcome the year ahead with wishes for health, happiness and prosperity.

For travellers, the festival offers a unique window into Israel’s living culture—one where ancient tradition continue to find a place in contemporary life.

A celebration of sweet beginnings

Food is at the heart of Rosh Hashanah celebrations, with many dishes carrying symbolic meanings. Apples dipped in honey represent the hope for a sweet year ahead, while pomegranates, with their abundance of seeds, are associated with prosperity and blessings.

The festive table may also feature round challah, whose circular shape reflects the cycle of the year, along with dates, figs, carrots, fish and other traditional foods. Jewish communities from

different parts of the world have also brought their own recipes and customs to Israel, adding remarkable diversity to the country’s festive cuisine.

The result is a celebration where food becomes much more than nourishment—it becomes a way of sharing memories, heritage and hopes for the future.

The festive spirit of Israel’s markets

In the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, markets across Israel take on a festive energy. Stalls overflow with seasonal fruits, spices, baked goods, sweets and ingredients destined for holiday tables.

In Jerusalem, a visit to Mahane Yehuda Market offers a colourful introduction to the country’s culinary culture, with its bustling produce stalls, bakeries, spice shops and restaurants. In Tel Aviv, meanwhile, traditional flavours meet contemporary Israeli cuisine, reflecting influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Jewish communities from around the world.

For visitors, exploring these markets and food scenes offers an authentic way to experience the country beyond its iconic landmarks.

A time for reflection and renewal

Yet Rosh Hashanah is about more than food. At its heart is a period of introspection—a chance to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next.

The sound of the shofar, a traditional ram’s horn, is an important part of the holiday. Its distinctive call is associated with awakening and reflection, connecting today’s celebrations to centuries-old Jewish traditions.

Across Israel, families and communities come together for festive meals, prayers and gatherings, creating a sense of connection that is both deeply personal and communal.

Experiencing Israel through its traditions

For travellers, experiencing Rosh Hashanah in Israel provides an opportunity to discover Jewish heritage as a living, evolving part of the country’s cultural landscape. From the historic streets and sacred sites of Jerusalem to vibrant markets and contemporary culinary experiences, the festival connects food, faith, history and everyday life.

For Indian travellers, many of the emotions surrounding Rosh Hashanah may feel familiar. Like festivals across India, it brings families together around food, rituals and traditions passed from one generation to the next. While the customs may differ, the universal themes of togetherness, gratitude and new beginnings remain remarkably relatable.

This Rosh Hashanah, discover Israel through a different lens—one of festive tables, bustling markets, ancient traditions and the simple joy of welcoming a new beginning.