Rosh Hashanah: Make the most of Jewish New Year in Elsternwick Village

As the Jewish New Year dawns from Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, September 24, local families will gather, tables will be set, and traditions honoured. This is such a special time of year within our community as Elsternwick Village truly comes alive with festive scents and flavours.

The rituals of Rosh Hashanah are rich in heritage, with none more distinct than the stirring sound of the shofar, traditionally crafted from a ram’s horn and blown during prayer services across the two days. While the holiday ushers in a sweet new year, it’s equally a time for reflection on the year gone by. For many, it’s a chance to step back from everyday distractions, setting aside things like driving, television, or technology, to embrace the moment fully. Preparing for these rituals and celebrations is part of the joy of Rosh Hashanah, and Elsternwick Village has everything you need to create and savour the meaningful celebration.

Festive favourites

Indulge in crisp apples, pomegranates, dates, lychees and star fruits from local grocer Dirito’s Quality Fruits. To shop all your produce under one roof, our Coles famously offers Australia’s largest range of kosher foods, including a kosher in‑store bakery, deli and ready‑to‑eat options, so you’ll be sure to find the best golden challahs and fragrant honey-sweet cakes, to name a few. Then continue to follow the smell of  Elsternwick Village’s bakeries and realise that when it comes to feasting on baked bread, you’re truly spoilt for choice!

Heritage-inspired gifts and homewares

For those who love tradition, a beautifully designed Jewish calendar is always a thoughtful choice for a gift, or perhaps a visit to Avenue Bookstore for a cookbook of cherished traditional recipes that have been passed down in Jewish kitchens for generations.

Choosing gifts that reflect the symbols of the season is also thoughtful, welcomed and appreciated. Think honey dishes and bowls, or homewares, placemats, and décor adorned with pomegranates, each bringing the table to life and capturing the rich spirit of Rosh Hashanah, whether you’re hosting or being hosted by loved ones.

Just one of the many specialty gift stores in Elsternwick Village is local gem, Ruby’s Gifts, where you’ll find challah boards, seder plates, candlesticks and thoughtfully-created kosher gift hampers.

Celebrating community

Rosh Hashanah in Elsternwick village is about so much more than shopping; it’s about connecting with neighbours along Glen Huntly Road, pausing for those heartfelt chats and feeling part of a community steeped in rich heritage and traditions.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah! To our Elsternwick Village families, may 5786 be filled with sweetness, good health and togetherness.