7 Lucky Jewish Foods to Eat at the Start of the Secular New Year

Kate Bigam Kaput

Folks eat all kinds of specific foods to ring in the secular New Year, hoping the items they consume – all of which are said to represent various forms of success in the year to come – will positively impact the days ahead.

Whether or not you believe in such superstitions, it can be fun to put your own spin on them! Close out the old year and welcome the new by putting a Jewish twist on some of these traditional New Year’s foods from around the world.

1. In the American South, greens are said to represent money and financial success.

Tina Wasserman’s Arugula Salad with Dates and Chevre was created with created the Ugandan Jewish community in mind, as it incorporates ingredients indigenous to the area where the country’s Abayudaya Jews reside. Come February, it's also an excellent recipe for celebrating Tu BiSh'vat! Make a small bowl of it as a side, or go for the green with a giant salad entrée. You can also try Tina Wasserman's Persian Spinach and Pine Nut Kuku.                            

2. In Italy, China, and Brazil, the shape of beans - especially lentils - is also said to symbolize coins.

This recipe for Curried Lentils and Vegetables combines tomatoes and seven aromatic spices that indicate the dish was originally from the New Delhi region in India. Chef Tina Wasserman explains that in the 17th-19th centuries, British, Dutch, and Portuguese traders sailing the Spice Route made mandatory stops in the Moluccas, Sri Lanka, and the Malabar Coast for spices that were the basis of many of the region’s curry spice blends.

3. In many Asian cultures, shiny fish scales represent coins, because they resemble them.

This recipe for Greek Psari Pagnaki, originally made with shrimp, has been adapted for Jewish dietary laws that prohibit eating shellfish. Chef Tina Wasserman writes, “The bright colors and flavors of this dish incorporate fish indigenous to the waters around Greece” – in this case, either branzino filets or tuna steak. It also involves ouzo, brandy, and lots of bold tomato flavor. You can also try Orly Ziv's Israeli Fish Kebabs in Yellow Tahini Yogurt Sauce.

4. Ring-shaped cakes represent coming full-circle in Mexico, Poland, Hungary, and the Netherlands​.

Use the same filling you use for hamantaschen hamantaschenאֹזֶן הָמָןTriangle-shaped pastries commonly filled with apricot jam or poppyseed spread (or other fillings) and eaten on Purim; the shape represents Haman's hat or ears in this recipe for Almond Poppy Seed Pound Cake, created by Chef Tina Wasserman. The recipe calls for canned almond and canned poppy seed filling, but it also tastes delicious with combos like apricot/almond and prune/poppy seed combinations. Tina's Fresh Apple Cake recipe also is baked in a ring shape.

5. Ancient Greeks believed figs were a symbol of fertility.

Rabbi Phyllis Sommer’s Tu BiSh’vat recipe for Date-Fig Bars (also a Tu BiSh’vat recipe) is adapted from the "King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion" Bakery Date Squares recipe. The original called for only dates and had a variant filling recipe using figs and orange juice, but this version mixes dates and figs. For something a bit more savory, try making Tina Wasserman's Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese and Honey.

6. In Greece, the seeds of pomegranates represent abundance and prosperity.

This famous Persian dish, Chicken Fesenjan with Walnuts and Pomegranate Syrup, is considered a festive dish served for important occasions. Tina Wasserman explains that Persian Jews often served this dish to their extended families, requiring significant amounts of costly walnuts. If you’re not a fan of chicken, the sauce from this dish also tastes great atop lamb or meatballs. For a vegetarian option, try Orly Ziv's Eggplant Baladi.

7. In Japan, long noodles represent long life.

Lokshen kugel means "noodle pudding" in YiddishYiddishיִידִישׁJudeo-German language combining old German and Hebrew spoken by the Jews of Eastern Europe. Also known as "Jewish." , and it originated in Eastern Europe, where the Jewish community spoke that language. This item falls into the category of "grandma's dishes,” and Tina Wasserman’s recipe for Deluxe Noodle Kugel is made with extra-wide egg noodles, oranges, pineapple, walnuts, and more. If you would like to incorporate this tradition into a main dish, try Ellen Tilman's Chicken Soup.