Honey and apples are the traditional foods to celebrate Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, in hopes of a sweet year ahead.

In that spirit, we’ve gathered some sweet ideas for gifts you can give – even to yourself! – to enhance festive meals marking the start of the new Jewish year 5783. This year, the holiday falls on September 26 and 27.

All the gifts listed here are made in Israel and ship worldwide. Prices are correct at time of publication.

We at ISRAEL21c wish all our readers a shana tova u’metuka, a good and sweet year.

1. Honey in an apple

Honey in an Apple gift set. Photo courtesy of Yad LaKashish

This “Honey in an Apple” gift set ($12.48) includes a ceramic apple-shaped bowl, a miniature jar of honey and a wooden honey spoon. Everything comes together with a cardboard base and wrapped in cellophane. The gift set is handmade by immigrant senior citizens employed by the Yad LaKashish workshop in Jerusalem.

2. Honey with a touch of something else

A sweet gift pack from Lin’s Farm. Photo courtesy of My Jerusalem Store

Four scrumptious Israeli honey products from Lin’s Farm packed in a neat cylindrical gift box will enhance any holiday meal.

A typical Lin’s Farm Mediterranean Superfoods Gift Box ($39) includes all-natural Honey With a Touch of Raspberry & Rose; Apple, Honey & Cinnamon Spread; Wildflower Honey; and Halva Spread With Organic Tehina.

3. All things pomegranate

The pomegranate is another popular symbol of Rosh Hashana, as it ripens in early fall in Israel. A pomegranate-themed challah cover ($39), pomegranate trivet ($20), pomegranate cotton napkins ($39) and two placemats ($19) from Barbara Shaw Gifts are made in Jerusalem in an ethical all-female workshop.

4. Seasonal candlesticks

This handsome pair of Yair Emanuel candlesticks ($28.51) adorned with red pomegranates are a perfect decorative and utilitarian centerpiece for any Rosh Hashana table.

5. Clay serving bowls

Natural clay serving bowls. Photo courtesy of Zohar Shaham

We can imagine these handmade, dishwasher-safe natural clay serving bowls ($68) from ceramicist Zohar Shaham attractively filled with cold salads, hot side dishes or fruits for the holiday meals. The bowls are glazed in (lead-free) ocean colors and measure 7 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches high.

6. A hand-painted glass challah tray

Pomegranate glass challah tray. Photo courtesy of Lily Art

This pomegranate-themed hand-painted glass challah tray ($70) from Lily Shohat is a gift that will not only adorn the table appropriately on Rosh Hashana but also on Sabbaths and holidays throughout the year.

7. Fine Israeli wines

Fine Israeli wines are a must-have for festive Rosh Hashana meals. Gift yourself or your holiday hosts some new arrivals from Wine on the Vine, such as Jezreel Valley Single Vineyard Argaman 2017 ($59.99) or Ella Valley Ever White 2019 ($21.99).

8. Aluminum kiddush cup

Once you have the wine, you need a kiddush cup to drink it from. We like the sleek styling of this colorful, customizable chalice-and-plate set ($167) made of specially coated anodized aluminum by Nadav Art in Jerusalem.

9. Coffee-table cookbook

Janna Gur’s classic coffee-table cookbook, The Book of New Israeli Food: A Culinary Journey ($34.30) presents easy-to-follow recipes reflecting Israel’s diverse cuisine. Many selections are just right for the Rosh Hashanah menu: Beetroot and Pomegranate Salad, Chreime–North African Hot Fish Stew, Roasted Chicken Drumsticks in Carob Syrup, Halva Coffeecake. Bonus: the photos by Eilon Paz include a cover shot of pomegranates.

10. A holiday goody basket

Photo courtesy of Ben Ezer Plantations

This Rosh Hashana goodie basket from Ben Ezer Plantations ($92 and up, depending on destination) includes Castel La-Vie white wine, handmade honey cake, a chocolate bar filled with Gianduja, and an assortment of mixed nuts and dried fruit.