Rosh Hashanah Myths Debunked: Apples, Honey, and Shofars Explained
Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, we debunk popular holiday myths: from the true role of the shofar and the origins of apples in honey to the reality behind pomegranate seeds.
Every year we gather around the holiday table with customs, blessings, and stories that we take for granted. But some of the things we all grew up on are not necessarily accurate. In honor of Rosh Hashanah, it is time to sort out some of the well-known myths of the holiday—and discover what lies behind them.
Does the shofar belong mainly to the end of Yom Kippur?
Many identify the big moment of the shofar with the single blast at the end of the Neilah prayer on Yom Kippur. In reality, the central commandment of hearing the shofar belongs to Rosh Hashanah, where it is customary in many communities to complete 100 shofar blasts throughout the day. The blast at the end of Yom Kippur is a custom symbolizing the end of the fast.
is an apple in honey a commandment from the Torah?
Despite its central place at the holiday table, the Torah does not contain an instruction to dip an apple in honey on Rosh Hashanah. Jewish tradition includes an ancient custom of eating symbolic foods, but the specific custom of apple in honey developed at a later stage among Ashkenazi communities in Europe.
is honey much healthier than white sugar?
Honey is sometimes perceived as healthier because it is a natural product, but most of it consists of simple sugars, mainly glucose and fructose. While it does contain small amounts of nutrients, in terms of sugar consumption, this does not mean it can be consumed without limitation.
Does every pomegranate contain exactly 613 arils?
The number 613 is associated with the 613 commandments of the Torah, and from here grew the myth that every pomegranate contains the exact same number of seeds. In reality, the quantity varies depending on the variety, growing conditions, irrigation, fertilization, and climate. Sometimes the number does approach 613—but it is definitely not fixed.
In the end, our brains love simple stories, round numbers, and traditions that are easy to pass down from generation to generation. The myths give us a festive and convenient version of the story, but reality—and sometimes science—is much more complex and interesting.
