Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins this evening and marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holidays. 

Judaism, much like other religions, embraces the holiday’s symbolism through food, like the Jewish ceremonial braided egg bread, challah, which we make in a round on Rosh Hashanah. This reminds us of the cyclical nature of humanity. Similarly, apples are dipped in honey to pray for a sweet New Year and sweet dishes like noodle kugel and sweet potato and carrot tzimmes make their way onto most Rosh Hashanah dinner plates.

Judaism is also deep-rooted in tradition, and one of the most memorable for Jews is the sounding of the shofar, a ceremonial rams horn that is skillfully blown by rabbi’s at the start of Rosh Hashanah and once again as the high holy days culminate with Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of atonement.  

Being San Diego’s most senior Jewish delicatessen and the source of Jewish foods to the community, we were devastated that we had to shut our doors for Passover this last April. How was Mrs. Levinson going to get her potato latkes or matzo ball soup? Where would Mr. Meyerowitz find chopped liver and kugel during a pandemic? We couldn’t help but feel guilt—we know so many San Diegan’s rely on D.Z. Akin’s for traditional Jewish foods and couldn’t fathom letting our community down again.

For the Akin Family, we have always best expressed our love through food. Sharing a meal has been a great equalizer and providing tasty memories will forever be our goal. I can still remember my first bite of honey cake and the smell of fresh challah coming out of the oven.

Despite these trying times, Jews across San Diego deserve the opportunity to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, and of course D.Z. Akin’s is here to make sure they have all the tools they need to do just that. If reserving a table inside or on the outdoor patio is not yet a comfortable option, we will be providing individual and family packed meals available for takeout and delivery. 

This is our time of year to gather, pray, eat, celebrate, and reflect—and our traditions will not take a backseat to the pandemic. 

Shanah Tovah.

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