There is a growing Jewish tradition for the first year of marriage in which newlywed couples dip challah in honey instead of salt every Shabbat. This practice, enjoyed together for the first year of their married journey, brings sweetness into their marriage and into their new life together.  It’s a lovely custom and one which I have witnessed many friends and family carrying out — it heightens the ritual of Shabbat and acts as a weekly reminder of the wedding day and their new sweet love.

As Rosh Hashanah comes around, we can all look forward to the sweetness of apples dipped in honey. Like the wedding couple, we are at the start of a new chapter, looking ahead to the sweet new year to come.

At Contemporary Judaica, we offer a varied choice of beautiful honey and apple-shaped dishes, honey pots, honey plates, pomegranate and apple shaped spoons. Each piece has been chosen for its aesthetic quality as well as its intended use — we call it meaningful art for the home. If you are visiting a newly married couple this Rosh Hashanah, a honey pot or plate would be a gift with extra meaning, that will be cherished for years to come. 

Rosh Hashanah is coming early this year so be prepared. I hope to see some of you at the Chai Society Sale on Tuesday on September 4, at Chai HQ on Hendon Way, where 20 per cent of all sales will go to the charity.