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*Save 15% off selected items. Use promo code FALL24. Sale ends 11/26/24. Orders will be shipped out for early holiday arrival. ⮞
Save 15% off selected items. Use promo code FALL24. Sale ends 11/26/24. Orders will be shipped out for early holiday arrival. ⮞

September Brings Us...

... The Jewish High Holy Days, Back-to-School, Labor Day and the first day of Fall!

Jewish High Holy Days
The Jewish High Holy Days are observed during the 10 day period between the first day (Rosh Hashanah) and the 10th day (Yom Kippur) of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most important of all Jewish Holidays and the only holidays that are purely religious, as they are not related to any historical or natural event.

Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated the first and second days of Tishri. This year, it is September 9th at sundown and concludes September 11th at sundown. It is a time of family gatherings, special meals and sweet tasting foods. Rosh Hashanah begins a 10 day period, known as the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora'im, a time of penitence and prayer that ends with Yom Kippur. Jews worldwide are given these 10 days to repent for their sins and ask G-d for forgiveness.

Rosh Hashanah is widely known and celebrated as the New Year’s Day of the Jewish calendar, but actually Rosh Hashanah has a fourfold meaning: It is the Jewish New Year, the Day of Judgment, the Day of Remembrance, and the Day of Shofar Blowing.

  • It is the Day of Judgment:
    As Jews worldwide examine their past deeds and asks for forgiveness for their sins.
  • It is the Day of Shofar Blowing:
    The Shofar (the ram’s horn) is blown in the temple to herald the beginning of the 10 day period know as the High Holy Days.
  • It is the Day of Remembrance:
    As Jews review the history of their people and pray for Israel.
  • And of course it is New Year's Day:
    Celebrated with its holiday greeting cards, special prayers, and festive and sweet foods, to ensure sweetness in the New Year.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day of the Jewish year and is observed on the tenth day of Tishri. This year it is September 18th at sundown and concludes September 19th at sundown. It is a day of fasting, reflection and prayers.

"May you be inscribed in the Book of Life" is the common greeting during this period as it is believed that on Rosh Hashanah the destiny of all mankind is recorded by G-d in the Book of Life. On Yom Kippur the Book is closed and sealed. Those that have repented for their sins are granted a good and happy New Year.

High Holy Day Fruits and Vegetables

Pomegranate

Most of the foods eaten during Rosh Hashanah represent a sweet future: Carrots, Raisins, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, Pomegranates, Prunes and Honey.

Leeks

These are some of the more popular items eaten, as nothing should be sour or bitter: Leeks, Onions, Beets, Turnips, Quince, Gourds, Anise, Pumpkins and Zucchini.

Organic Bell Pepper

These are all considered symbolic of fertility, abundance and prosperity, making them an important part of the Rosh Hashanah tradition. Some other items used in preparing traditional Rosh Hashanah dishes are: Squash, Yams, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Nuts, Grapes, Plums, Lemons, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Herbs, Pineapples, and Apricots.

Steamed Lentils

Melissa’s is making these vegetables easy to use by offering several of them in ready-to-go packages like our beets, leeks, lentils and potatoes. These will save you time and make your recipes delicious!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Summer vacation is over and school is starting and going full swing. Most kids get ready for school with a special class supply list, a backpack and some new clothes to start their new school year. Homemade lunches will get the kids through the day as long as they are filled with plenty of nutrition. Nowadays, many school lunch programs are offering fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their cafeteria menu. If your school doesn’t offer them, make sure you pack plenty of easy-to-snack-on treats for your child and their friends…

Cleaned Snax

Our newest snack trend is CLEAN SNAX®. These are delicious, wholesome bites that are gluten-free, low-fat, low-sodium and contain no artificial ingredients. They come in several addicting flavors: perfect for lunch boxes or after school snacks! Our latest flavors are: Banana and Cacao, Matcha, Hatch Chile and Southwest Spice! All delicious!

Fresh carrots and light ranch dip are always popular as well as snap peas, broccoli pieces and teardrop tomatoes. Try slicing some fresh baby cucumbers; they are refreshing and low-calorie, too. Fresh fruit cut into cubes makes a perfect addition to lunch as well as adding some natural energy to your child’s day. Sliced apples with some low-fat cheese or even low-fat caramel are also a perfect snack.
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