What to Bring to a Rosh Hashanah Dinner: Thoughtful Host Gifts for 5787

You've been invited for Rosh Hashanah. Lovely.

Then comes the question: what should I bring?

Honey? Wine? Flowers? Something with a pomegranate on it?

You really don't need to overthink it. A good Rosh Hashanah host gift should simply say thank you for having me, while taking the person, their home and their traditions into account.

Here are a few easy ways to get it right.

Something sweet is always a lovely place to start

Honey, chocolates, cake or another sweet treat feels naturally at home at Rosh Hashanah.

If you're bringing food or wine, though, check first if you're unsure about the household's kosher requirements, allergies or dietary preferences.

A quick "I'd love to bring something, is there anything I should know?" saves everyone from having to investigate the mystery biscuits at the door.

Bring something they can actually use

If you'd prefer something that lasts beyond the meal, small pieces of Judaica can make thoughtful Rosh Hashanah host gifts.

Think useful rather than overly seasonal.

A Shabbat accessory, for example, can become part of their Friday-night table throughout the year. Our Shabbat Matches are a simple little option for exactly that reason: practical, beautiful and easy to gift.

If they've just moved, consider a mezuzah

A mezuzah is more personal, so it isn't necessarily the gift for every Rosh Hashanah invitation.

But if your hosts have recently moved, are celebrating their first Jewish New Year in a new home or are setting up a home together, it can become a particularly meaningful choice.

Choose something that fits their style. Judaica Studio mezuzahs come in materials including olive wood, resin, concrete, crystals and pressed florals, so there is plenty of room between traditional and very contemporary.

Just remember that the mezuzah case and kosher parchment scroll inside it are separate things, so always check the product details when buying one as a gift.

And if you don't know your hosts very well, there is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping things small: honey, flowers or a thoughtful card can all be enough.

The best Rosh Hashanah gift?

Something that feels like them.

Choose something they'll eat, use or enjoy having in their home. It doesn't need to be extravagant and it certainly doesn't need apples printed all over it.

The nicest host gift is still the simplest message:

Thank you for making space for me at your table. Shana Tova.