New fruits for the New Year

The primary difference between Rosh Hashanah in the United States and Rosh Hashanah in France? Fruit. When I was invited to Friday night dinner by a generous Jewish couple from the American synagogue in Paris, I didn't realize I was in for an education in every fruit known to man from ripe juicy figs to large, seeded green grapes. After all, in the States, we pretty much stick to apples and honey.

But, guess what? Pomegranate seeds go well with honey, too! And so do dates, figs, grapes, cactus (watch out for the prickles!), and jujubes...yes, jujubes. Most of these fruits are native to North Africa, and because a majority of French Jews are of North African origin, they've made their way into Rosh Hashanah ritual. They are each dipped in honey and eaten one by one, with a prayer recited for each, before the main meal is served. Quite an education in French Jewish culture, not to mention obscure fruit vocabulary. L'shanah tovah!