This time of year, Blossomland gets into the honey business big time! Not only is the traditionally the time that spring and summer harvests of honey are coming off the hive, but it is the time of year honey has great traditional significance for our Jewish friends.

The Jewish High Holy Days are observed during the 10 day period between Rosh Hashanah, September 16, 2012 (5773) and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated the first and second days of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day of the Jewish year and is observed on the tenth day of Tishri, which falls during the months of September and October on the Gregorian calendar.

Honey and apples have traditionally been the foods used to celebrate the Jewish New Year and to begin the high holiday season with sweetness and blessings. On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, challah (traditionally round loaf of bread) is dipped into honey and a blessing is offered over the challah. Then apple slices are dipped into honey and a prayer asking God for a sweet year is offered. Slices of apple dipped in honey are often served to Jewish children – either at home or in religious school - as a special Rosh HaShanah snack.

We are pleased to supply honey both for the baking of the traditional lekach (honey cake), traditionally distributed by the rabbi or shamash of the synagogue for Yom Kippur.  Many of our Jewish customers will order our honey sticks as gifts to be offered during the high holidays.

For those interested in experiencing these tasty traditions, you might want to check out cookbook author Joan Nathan’s website for recipes including some from her newest cookbook Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France at joannathan.com.

We have also added recipes for: 

Challah 

Lekach 

Magical Honey Cake

Beehive Cookies

Between now and August 15, Blossomland is accepting orders of honey sticks at the special price of $14.25 per 100 ct with a 300 ct. or more order for individuals and religious institutions and organizations.