Simanim: Foods and Wishes for a Sweet New Year

Naomi Ben-Ami's "Simanim: Foods and Wishes for a Sweet New Year" explores the imaginative language of Rosh Hashanah simanim, focusing on the symbolic foods used during the Jewish New Year. This illustrated guide delves into how specific ingredients, through their names or characteristics, can convey wishes for the coming year. The author examines the textual and communal contexts of these traditions, providing insight into their historical and cultural significance. The book is structured as a food glossary, with each entry offering details about the food's names in relevant languages, its traditional preparation, and nuanced explanations of its symbolic role.

This volume offers an accessible exploration of Rosh Hashanah traditions, covering biblical and rabbinic foundations, the interplay of sound and food in material culture, and the variations found across communities. It discusses the American Jewish experience with these customs and traces their evolution from Rosh Hashanah into the Days of Awe. Readers will find ingredient portraits for items such as dates, pomegranates, apples, honey, gourds, leeks, greens, legumes, and fish, along with regional additions. Sidebars clarify different versions of wishes and the complexities of transliteration. The book also includes prompts for oral history collection and suggestions for allergy-aware alternatives, allowing for inclusive participation while acknowledging the distinct heritage of traditional ingredients.