Why Do We Eat Pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah?

Pomegranates are everywhere on Rosh Hashanah tables — in centerpieces, in tableware designs, and as actual fruit. Why this specific fruit?

The Symbolism

Tradition says a pomegranate has 613 seeds — the same number as the mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. Whether or not your specific pomegranate has exactly 613 (spoiler: it probably doesn't), the symbol holds: a fruit packed with seeds is a fruit packed with mitzvot.

The Prayer

On Rosh Hashanah, many families say a special prayer when eating a new fruit of the season: "May our merits multiply like the seeds of the pomegranate." It's a wish for the year ahead to be abundant, fruitful, and full of good deeds.

One of the Seven Species

The pomegranate is one of the seven species native to the Land of Israel — along with wheat, barley, grapes, figs, olives, and dates. Eating it connects you to the land.

How to Use Them

Pomegranates show up on Rosh Hashanah tables as: actual fruit (split open and eaten), arils sprinkled on salads, juice for cocktails or kiddush, and as motifs on challah covers, tea towels, table runners, and trivets. Their deep red color is a perfect new-year accent.