JL;DR

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is rich with food customs that hold deep symbolic meanings. Many of these foods are part of the holiday's traditional meals, each carrying specific hopes and blessings for the coming year. For instance, apples dipped in honey represent a wish for a sweet new year, while pomegranates symbolize the hope that merits will be as plentiful as the seeds of the fruit. Other foods include the head of a fish or ram, symbolizing leadership and a forefront position in positive actions, as well as carrots, often prepared sweetly, signifying an increase in merits or good fortune. These traditions are meant to imbue the holiday with intention, as well as connect people to a shared heritage.