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- Why the Apple and Why the Honey for Rosh Hashana?
Why not bananas or pears, as they are too, very sweet? A myriad of reasons accompany the ancient tradition of using apples and honey. One reason is that the apple ripens just at this time of year and is at maximum sweetness. Honey is also coming into its own very strongly at this time. Apples have a tartness to them even as they are sweet, and honey, while sweet, brings with it the honey bee, which can sting. This duality reflects the idea that not every day will be sweet. Some days will be bitter and perhaps biting. Yet, we must attribute both the good and the bad to God, and seek to find some aspect of holiness in even those bitter moments.