Is it permissible to eat peanuts and almonds on Rosh Hashanah?

Hello,

The custom is to also avoid eating peanuts and almonds on Rosh Hashanah.

Sources: There are two reasons for the custom of not eating nuts on Rosh Hashanah, as the Rema writes (Orach Chaim 583:2) that some are particular not to eat nuts because the gematria of nut is sin, and furthermore that they increase coughing and movement, which can disrupt the prayer. Thus, according to the first reason, there is indeed a problem specifically with eating nuts; however, regarding other types of seeds such as peanuts and almonds, there is no explicit problem. Yet, according to the second reason, it seems that peanuts and almonds are also included in the custom. Refer to the book Yosef Ometz (Siman 576) which states that the main reason is to prevent being distracted by coughing and movement during the shofar blasts. Based on this, it appears one should avoid eating peanuts and almonds on Rosh Hashanah. This is also mentioned in the book Asheri Ish, Volume 3 (Chapter 14:7) in the name of Rabbi Yisrael Eliashiv, zt"l, that those who are particular not to eat nuts on Rosh Hashanah should also refrain from eating foods that are not nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, and peanuts, since they also cause coughing and could disrupt one's prayer.

In the book Yosef Ometz, it is written that since the reason is to avoid being disturbed by coughing and movement during the shofar blasts, therefore on the second day of Rosh Hashanah after the blasts, one does not need to be as particular. However, the Rema wrote that the concern is that coughing and movement disrupt the prayer, and based on this, it seems one should be careful even after the blasts on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

Best regards,

Hillel Meir