The High Holy Days are a meaningful time of reflection, renewal, and tradition. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and continuing through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holidays offer an opportunity to reflect on the year past and look ahead to the year to come. For many, gathering with family and friends and sharing traditional foods are also an important part of the holiday experience. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 13. Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21. Whether preparing a holiday meal at home, picking up prepared foods, or planning a break-fast gathering, Lincoln Square businesses have plenty to help get ready for the High Holy Days.
A Rosh Hashanah table isn’t complete without something sweet, making Breads Bakery (1890 Broadway, between West 62nd and West 63rd Streets) a particularly timely stop. Its Rosh Hashanah offerings include the impressive Centerpiece Challah, along with Apple Challah, Cinnamon Raisin Challah, Apple Babka, Honey Cake, Apple Galette, Apple Rugelach, and specialty honey. For Yom Kippur, Breads offers several break-fast options, including its Easy Break Fast, Jerusalem Bagels & Smoked Salmon Platter, and Sweet Break Fast packages, along with a variety of challah, sweets, and other holiday offerings.
For those looking to prepare a more substantial holiday meal, Gourmet Garage (155 West 66th Street, between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway) offers dedicated Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur catering menus, with both kosher and non-kosher selections. Rosh Hashanah offerings include complete dinners for 10, as well as individual dishes like brisket, chicken, salmon, gefilte fish, kugel, tzimmes, and challah. For Yom Kippur, both menus feature complete break-fast packages, along with options such as smoked fish and salmon platters, bagels and cream cheese, tuna and egg salad, and traditional sweets. With so many options available, hosts can choose a full spread or select individual dishes to round out their holiday table.
Whole Foods Market (10 Columbus Circle) also has dedicated Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur catering menus. Rosh Hashanah offerings include round challah, brisket, honey-lemon salmon, cider-glazed chicken, matzo ball soup, roasted vegetables, and honey cake. For Yom Kippur, shoppers can pick up favorites including lox and bagels, smoked fish, tuna and egg salad, cream cheese, and a selection of sides and sweets.
Morton Williams (2015 Broadway, between West 68th and West 69th Streets) offers both groceries and regular catering, while shoppers can check back closer to the holidays for any dedicated High Holy Day offerings. Target (1863 Broadway, at West 61st Street) is also a useful stop for food and pantry staples, while the Richard Tucker Park Greenmarket (Broadway and West 66th Street) offers fresh seasonal ingredients Thursdays and Saturdays year-round, including New York State apples that are perfect for a traditional Rosh Hashanah table.
Once the menu is set, Williams Sonoma (10 Columbus Circle) can help bring the holiday table together. Its Rosh Hashanah collection features tableware, serving pieces, linens, and other festive accents, from pieces for serving apples and honey to decorative touches for holiday gatherings. Whether setting the table for a family dinner or adding a few special details to a holiday celebration, the collection offers plenty of options for creating a festive setting.
From picking up a special challah to preparing a full holiday meal or setting the table for family and friends, Lincoln Square offers plenty of ways to get ready for the High Holy Days. For more local businesses, restaurants, shops, and other neighborhood resources to help you prepare for the holidays, check out the Lincoln Square BID’s Map & Guide.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.
Shanah Tovah!
