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

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset on Friday, September 11 and continues through Sunday, September 13, 2026.

This Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of 5787 in the Hebrew calendar, which follows a different system of counting years than the Gregorian calendar commonly used in Australia.

A time for reflection, renewal and gathering with family and friends, Rosh Hashanah is filled with traditions that look to the year ahead with hope, and many of them can be found around the festive table.

From apples dipped in honey and freshly baked challah to abundant feasts and something sweet to finish, Elsternwick Village has plenty to help you prepare for the celebrations.

Start the New Year with something sweet

Perhaps the most recognisable Rosh Hashanah tradition is dipping apples in honey, representing the wish for a sweet year ahead.

Pick up crisp apples, pomegranates and other fresh produce from Diritos Quality Fruits, then find honey and pantry staples at Glo Health, Kosher Kingdom Food Market or Coles.

Pomegranates are another favourite of the season, symbolising abundance and blessings for the year ahead.

Bring home the challah

No festive table is complete without challah, and for Rosh Hashanah you’ll often find the familiar braided loaf taking on a round shape, symbolising continuity and the cycle of the year.

Elsternwick Village’s bakeries leave you spoilt for choice. Visit Aviv Cakes & Bagels or Mister Baker for a local favourite, or stop by Woodfrog Bakery, Glazed Gluten Free Patisserie and Kosher Kingdom Food Market to find something for the table.

Gather around a festive feast

Food is at the heart of many Rosh Hashanah gatherings, bringing family and friends together to share a meal and welcome the New Year.

Menus differ by family and tradition, with dishes ranging from fish to roast chicken, lamb, and slow-cooked beef brisket.

Find your centrepiece for the table at Trialto Meats, Peter Da Silva Poultry & Selected Meats or Kosher Kingdom Food Market, or pick up fresh fish from Shoten Sushi & Grocery.

Set the table

The celebration isn’t only about what’s on the menu. Fresh flowers, servingware and festive touches can help make gathering around the table feel that little bit more special.

Choose fresh blooms from Shady Hill Luxury Flowers, or visit Party Bazaar and Fantasy Decorland for decorations and tableware to complete your setting.

If you’re heading to someone else’s table, a thoughtful host gift is another lovely way to mark the occasion. Wander into Ruby’s Gifts, Avenue Bookstore, Dalgarno’s of Elsternwick or Blight’s for gifts to mark the occasion, or find plenty of gifting and homeware inspiration as you explore Elsternwick Village.

End with something sweet

A sweet New Year deserves a sweet finish.

Honey cake is a traditional Rosh Hashanah favourite, carrying through the wish for sweetness into the year ahead. Find freshly baked options at Aviv Cakes & Bagels, Mister Baker and Glazed Gluten Free Patisserie, with plenty more treats to discover throughout Elsternwick Village. Check out our directory for more ideas.

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Elsternwick Village

Rosh Hashanah is a special time in Elsternwick, where Jewish culture and traditions have long been part of the character of the local community.

As families prepare their tables, gather with loved ones and welcome 5787, we’re proud to celebrate alongside our Jewish community.

Shana Tova U’Metukah! Wishing everyone celebrating a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.