The Rosh Hashanah Simanim: The Proper Order, Blessings, and Yehi Ratzon

Two daily halachot from BeHalacha U’BeAggadah, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

How Should the Simanim Be Eaten on Rosh Hashanah Night?

Our Sages instituted the custom of eating various symbolic foods (simanim) on the nights of Rosh Hashanah as a good sign for the coming year.

There is no need to follow the exact order printed in the siddurim. The main point is to first recite the blessing over the dates, since they are one of the Seven Species. Afterward, one may eat the sweet foods one after another, followed by the other foods in whatever order one wishes.

The proper time to eat the simanim is after reciting Hamotzi and eating a kezayit of bread, rather than immediately after Kiddush. This avoids uncertainty regarding whether an after-blessing would be required.

The first blessing: During the meal, one does not recite a separate blessing over black-eyed peas or a similar legume, gourd, leek, beet or chard, or the head of a sheep, as these foods are considered part of the meal rather than dessert. This differs from dates, pomegranate, and apple, which are eaten separately.

Which Comes First — the “Yehi Ratzon” or the Blessing Over the Fruit?

First recite the blessing over the fruit and taste it. Only afterward should the Yehi Ratzon prayer be recited.

Some have the custom for everyone at the table to hold the fruit in their hands while the head of the household recites the blessing, intending to fulfill the obligation on behalf of everyone present. Everyone answers Amen and tastes the fruit.

The head of the household then recites the Yehi Ratzon aloud, while everyone listens and responds Amen.

Daily Insight

Yossi made an appointment with his dentist to have a crown placed on one of his teeth. The dentist prepared the crown, opened Yossi’s mouth to fit it onto the tooth, but suddenly the crown slipped straight down Yossi’s throat.

The situation was potentially dangerous. One side of the crown was extremely sharp and could have torn his esophagus. Yossi was immediately rushed to the hospital for an X-ray.

Yossi’s family arrived after hearing what had happened. As they prayed for good news, one family member declared, “As soon as this is over, I’m suing that dentist for terrible negligence!”

Several hours later, the doctor emerged and said, “We took an X-ray of your loved one’s throat. Fortunately, the crown did not fall in a dangerous position. However, because of the X-ray, we discovered something concerning: there is a tumor in his throat. It is still in its early stages, so it should be relatively easy to remove without significant danger. Had we not taken this X-ray, there would have been virtually no chance of discovering it at this stage.”

Yossi underwent several treatments, and the tumor was successfully removed.

Later, one of Yossi’s friends approached the relative who had threatened to sue the dentist and asked, “So, are you still planning to sue the dentist — or are you going to bring him a bouquet of flowers?”

There is no question that the dentist made a serious mistake. But only the Creator knew that what appeared to be a frightening accident, would ultimately lead to something that could save his life.

How often do we rush to conclusions and judge others unfavorably? Not only do we judge other people, but we sometimes even judge the way the Creator runs our lives.

At times we experience events that seem to bring nothing good, and where the damage appears obvious. However, we must remember that the Creator sees beyond what we can see. Only He knows when something that appears harmful to us may actually become the very thing that saves us.

A person who genuinely and wholeheartedly believes that whatever the Creator does is ultimately for the good has the strength to remain calm and composed even in the midst of a painful experience.

Remember: If you were late to work because of traffic, if you fell and suffered a loss, or if the store closed just as you arrived, it is all ultimately for your good.