Daily Halacha - Laws of Rosh Hashanah, 15th of Elul 5777

What is the source for the order of symbolic foods on Rosh Hashanah?

Our sages said, "Since symbols have influence, it is worthwhile to eat pumpkin, beans, etc. on Rosh Hashanah as good omens" - however, this practice is not obligatory but rather a custom [Yalkut Yosef Section 583, Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim, p. 93].

What is the appropriate time for arranging the order of symbolic foods at the meal?

The best custom is that after Kiddush, one should wash hands and eat bread in the amount of a kazayit (olive size). Then take a date first and recite the blessing "Bore Pri Ha'etz" (and no blessing is recited over the other fruits). If the date is new to them, they should recite "Shehecheyanu," and after eating a little, take another date and say "Yehi Ratzon She'yitamu..." [ibid, p. 93].

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