Sommelier reveals which libations are good (and kosher) for your holidays

For one, literally, Rosh Hashana doesn’t mean "new year" but rather "head of the year," which we’ll explain a little later. And secondly, Rosh Hashanah is not something of parochial significance just to Jews so that it should be classified as exclusively "Jewish." Actually, the day is relevant to every human being, and indeed, every created being in the entire universe, for Rosh Hashanah is the day that commemorates G-d’s creation of the world. So if you’re looking for conceptual translation of the name, Rosh Hashanah should really be called the Anniversary of Creation. Indeed, the new calendar year that Rosh Hashanah ushers in is the number of years from the creation, the number value of the current Jewish year being the age of the universe. Rabbi Yaakov Salomon of Aish reminds us of the special importance of prayer, atonement, and renewal to make your Hebrew New Year, Rosh Hashana, meaningful. (from Ask Moses- What is the deeper meaning of Rosh Hashana?)

Rosh Hashana is an historic day - Adam and Eve were created. Abraham and Jacob were brought into this world Joseph was released from 12-years of incarceration. Sarah, who had been barren, had her prayers answered - it was decreed that she would have children. Hannah, was given a child who would become the prophet Samuel. Rachel, who gave birth to Joseph, was remembered on Rosh Hashana. 



“This is delicious!” exclaims a friend, tasting a wine and requesting a second glass. “Are you sure it’s Kosher?” If you are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, this year, you are in for a delicious treat. 


BlogCritics publishes Marisa D'Vari's article on kosher wines she recommends: 

For much of our families' lifetimes, most families sipped the sweet, grape-y Manishevitz. Today you will find some excellent, affordable, and delicious Kosher wines being produced in regions around the world that quite often outshine non-Kosher wines at a similar price point. If you are hosting a large party, you might take the opportunity to stock up on several different Kosher wines so you can serve a few as an aperitif, and then pair them with different courses. At the end of the evening, you might also ask your guests which wines they liked the best, and make note of your favorites for your next trip to the wine shop. Most of these wines are so delicious you will want to serve them all year round.

Recently President of the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Wine Educator, Ira Norof  spoke with JooTube.TV regarding  quality kosher wines and spirits being sampled at the L.A. Times epicurean fair "The Taste" over Labor Day Weekend. 


Mr. Norof explains how the Herzog company has made kosher versions of local wine varieties from different countries which rival their non-kosher competitors'.  Herzog now produces Scotches which are kosher, and also was demonstrating their tequilas, which are not.