Top Ways To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah In South Florida

This year's Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will happen between Sunday, Sept. 13 and Tuesday, Sept. 15. Below are two places to consider visiting for Rosh Hashanah services, two kosher restaurants in South Florida and one simple, yet delicious, recipe. All five ways are great fits for celebrating Rosh Hashanah this year.

Temple Israel Of Greater Miami
137 N.E. 19th St.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 573-5900
www.templeisrael.net

Temple Israel will offer a variety of services for Rosh Hashanah on Sunday, Sept. 13 and Monday, Sept. 14. Starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a congregational dinner in the Wolfson Auditorium. Cost for the dinner is $30 for members, $40 for non-members and $15 for children under 12. Following the dinner at 7:30 p.m., the Rosh Hashanah Evening Service will be held in the Bertha Abess Sanctuary. On Monday at 10 a.m. the Rosh Hashanah Morning Service will be held in the Bertha Abess Sanctuary. Also, at 10 a.m. there will be various youth service and programs offered for kids ages pre-k through fifth grade.

Cafe Emunah
3558 N. Ocean Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 561-6411
www.myemunah.com

This cafe isn't just about food, as they provide what they call a a complete experience for the mind, body and soul. It is owned and operated by Rabbi Moishe Meir Lipszyc, and his staff provides a wide variety of Jewish fare. Whether sampling one of their many starters or entrees, it's the perfect place to get food during Rosh Hashanah. The name of the restaurant itself, 'Emunah,' means "faith" in the Hebrew language, so it is fitting to celebrate the Jewish New Year with a meal here.

Keys Jewish Community Center
Mile Marker 93 on U.S. 1 (Overseas Highway)
Tavernier, FL 33070
(305) 852-5235
www.keysjewishcenter.com

For those living in the Keys, the Keys Jewish Community Center is the only synagogue between Homestead, Florida and Key West so it might be your best bet as a place to celebrate the Rosh Hashanah. They will host three services during the Jewish New Year which includes: Erve Rosh Hashanah from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13; a service on Monday, Sept. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and a service on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All three services will take place in the sanctuary. Additionally, there will also be a Tashlich on Monday, Sept. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ocean Pointe, where the Center and those attending will throw their sins and bread into the ocean.

Related: Best Kosher Food Around Miami

Sunrise Pita
2680 N. University Drive
Sunrise, FL 33322
(954) 748-0090
www.facebook.com/SunrisePitanGrill

The food at Sunrise Pita is not only kosher and delicious, it is reasonably priced and service is fast. Sunrise Pita has a variety of authentic Isearli food from Shawarma to Kababs. They also boast themselves as offering the 'best pita sandwich in the USA.' There is even a section of the menu devoted to hummus specials. For those wanting to dine at home, this restaurant even delivers.

Rosh Hashanah Chicken With Cinnamon And Apples From Metz
Courtesy of epicurious.com

With Rosh Hashanah lasting three days, it's fitting to want to make some meals at home. This chicken provides for a great main course during the Jewish New Year. It's simple to make and dates back to the Jewish people of Metz.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 to 4-pound roasting chicken

• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (broken into two 1/2 teaspoons)
• 1 onion (peeled & cut into chunks)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/3 cups white wine
• 3 apples (cored & cut horizontally into 4 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon
3. Put chicken in a roasting pan with the onion
4. Pour the chicken broth and wine over the chicken and roast for 45 minutes
5. After 45 minutes remove from oven, surround chicken with the apples then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon and sugar
6. Baste with the wine, then return to oven for 45 additional minutes

Related: America's Top Ten Jewish Cities

Suzy is a working mom of a spirited 8 year old daughter. She has an MA in Communication Studies and BA in Psychology and Communications. She works in marketing/public relations, is a freelance writer and is very involved in the Winston-Salem community and arts & films scene.