Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur/Sukkot

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot are three holidays that come together within a 22 day period in Fall. They are collective known as the Yomim Noraim.

Rosh Hashanah (literally – Head of the Year) is a two day holiday marking the beginning of the Jewish Calendar. It is symbolized with the blowing of the shofar (rams horn) in the synagogue, and, as the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, starts a period of reflection and intense prayer.

In the home, there are traditional symbols and foods at the Rosh Hashanah table. Some of the symbolic foods are carrots, fish heads, beets, leeks, apples and honey. Challahs (egg breads) are usually round in shape to symbolize the never ending cycles of life. Some traditional foods include gefilte fish, kosher roast or brisket, kasha varnishkas, beans, kugels, apples and honey.

Yom Kippur (literally — Day of Atonement) is the most spiritual single day in the Jewish Calendar. It is the culmination of the 10 Days of Repentance, a day spent in Fasting, prayer, and requests of forgiveness from the Almighty. As Yom Kippur is a fast day, there is no eating or drinking for a period of approximately 25 hours, (with the exception of nursing women, children, elderly, and the infirm), so there are no traditional foods associated during the holiday. However, it is usual to have a low salt light meal before the Yom Kippur fast begins. The fast is traditionally broken with a diary meal that may include whitefish, bagels, lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, orange juice, coffee, and danishes.

Sukkot (literally – Booths) is a holiday commemorating the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert upon the exodus from Egypt. Observant families build a do-it-yourself (DIY) hut somewhere in their yard. The object of this is to do as many daily activities as possible inside the Sukkah to relate to the experience of dwelling in the Sukkah. In any event, all meals should be eaten in the Sukkah barring inclement weather. If possible, one should try to sleep in the Sukkah (a treat for kids).

Classic Kosher Catering is available to meet all your needs for these holidays. From our kasha varnishkas, which were a featured item at the 2013 Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival, to our apple cider kosher brisket, we can make your meals a real treat to eat. Whether it be for our standard kosher menu, or for that special item that you remember from your Bubbe’s house, contact us to make your holidays simple and special.

Chanukah

Chanukah (literally – Rededication) is an eight day holiday that comes in winter time celebrating a military victory by the Hasmoneans (Israelites) over the Assyrians that resulted in a miracle occurring in which one small cruze of oil lasted eight times it expected life. It is a joyous time, with family gathering each night to light the menorah (Chanukiah). In recent times it has become customary for parents to give children small gifts or gelt (money) each night.

While there are customary foods associated with Chanukah, almost all of them are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle. Some of these foods are doughnuts, latkes (pancakes), and churros. In some communities, it is also customary to serve kosher brisket on the Sabbath (Saturday) that falls during Chanukah.

Classic Kosher Catering serves a variety of latkes for your pleasure: traditional potato, sweet potato, blue potato, and zucchini are just a few. In 2014 alone, we made over 1300 latkes for people. This year allow us to make yours.

Pesach

Pesach (Literally – to pass over) is the eight day holiday that commemorates the entire story of the Israelites exodus out of Egypt. From the original command from the Almighty to Moses instructing him to facilitate the exodus, through the 10 plagues of the Egyptians and the crossing of the Red Sea, the entire story of the Exodus is retold in a family setting on the 1^st two nights of Pesach (Passover) to the accompaniment of a ceremonial meal. One of the main focuses of Pesach (Passover) is the removal of all leavened product from our lives both physical and spiritual. This necessitates the purchase and preparation of special foods (including dedicated pots, pans, and utensils) for the entire eight day period.

Classic Kosher Catering offers many levels of kosher for Passover meal opportunities to meet all of your needs. From individual meals to a full “Seder in a Box” (Ceremonial Passover Meal) including the Seder plate items, ala cart items and desserts, we make your Seder special and easy. Our “Select a Meal” menu gives you the selection and variety to make every night a different meal. Contact us for more information.