When is the more auspicious time to eat the Rosh Hashanah simanim, at the night meals or the day meals?
Best Time to Eat the Rosh Hashanah Simanim: Night or Day
Question
Answer
Most have the minhag to eat them at night.
Sources
The Shulchan Aruch places the simanim at the night meal. Its section heading reads “Things that are customarily eaten on the night of Rosh Hashanah.” It then lists the beans, leeks, beets, dates and gourd with their yehi ratzon. The Rema adds the sweet apple in honey and the pomegranate. The Ben Ish Hai likewise writes that one should regularly eat the simanim at his table “on both nights of Rosh Hashanah,” in a set order. Both reflect the common custom of eating them at night.
- Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 583:1 — the section on the simanim is titled as foods customarily eaten on the night of Rosh Hashanah
- Ben Ish Chai, Year 1, Nitzavim 4 — one should eat the simanim in order at his table on both nights of Rosh Hashanah
Author
Rabbi Shay Tahan
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