Celebrating Rosh Hashanah in Bloomfield Hills in 2013

Today, as sundown draws near, the Jewish community will ring in year 5774 as part of their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year. The festivities will continue until nightfall on Friday, Sept. 6.

Whether attending services at local synagogues and temples, like Bloomfield Township's Temple Beth El, or staying home to prepare for the first meal of the New Year, this day is packed with special meaning.

Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” signals the beginning of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, marks the end, and together they are two of the holiest days for Jews.

Like most New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection and a time to bring about changes in the coming year. The traditional blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn, during services on Rosh Hashanah marks a time to contemplate past mistakes and find ways to make things right.

On this day, as on Sabbath, Jews avoid work and spend the day with family. And where there’s a family gathering, can food be far behind? It’s no surprise that after services Jewish families tuck into an elaborate spread of traditional dishes.

The day begins with eating apples dipped in honey, in hopes that the new year will also be sweet. Another tradition is to bake challah, a round-shaped bread that is a symbol of the circle of life.

So, it's time to get into that festive mood! Patch has come up with some great recipes that will make your Rosh Hoshanah meal extra special this year.

Patch contributor Wendy Schapiro shared her family recipe for Apple Cake and Noodle Kugel.

Want to try something new this year? Take a look at this Romanian apple cake or “Pandispan,” which Susan Silverberg shared on Patch.

Here’s wishing you L’shanah Tovah--the traditional Happy New Year greeting-- and B'tayavon (that’s Hebrew for bon appetit)!