Rosh Hashanah, our Jewish New Year, is almost here and St. Louis is ready to celebrate with one of the simplest and sweetest rituals we have: apple picking. It doesn’t matter if you are a college student just getting to know this city, a parent searching for a meaningful fall outing or simply someone who loves the crunch of a just-picked Jonathan — there is an orchard and an event calling your name.
Why We Dip Apples in Honey
Dipping apples in honey is not commanded anywhere in the Torah but over time it has become one of the most cherished customs of the holiday. Apples, ripening just as the season turns, have come to symbolize change and new beginnings. Honey is our prayer for a year of sweetness ahead.
Some see an even deeper meaning. In mystical Jewish thought, the apple represents the Shechinah, the divine presence, sitting with us as we do the hard work of teshuvah, looking back on the year that has passed and choosing how we want to show up in the one ahead.
For those who avoid honey for ethical or dietary reasons, date syrup (silan) makes a rich naturally sweet stand-in, a nod to the “land flowing with milk and honey” in the Bible and a lower-glycemic way to keep the tradition alive.
Upcoming Community Apple-Picking Events
Jewish College Students of St. Louis — Apple Picking Outing
Braeutigam Orchards
Sunday, Sept. 21 | 12–3 p.m.
Open to students from SLU, UMSL, Webster, STLCC and MS&T.
RSVP by texting “APPLE” to 314-886-6111.
PJ Library, The J & Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
Mills Apple Farm (Marine, Ill.)
Sunday, Sept. 28 | 12–4 p.m.
✅ Pre-registration required.
Questions? Contact Avital Kadosh: [email protected] | 314-442-3172
St. Louis Orchards & Details
| Orchard | Hours* | Prices** | Notables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braeutigam Orchards | Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | ~$1.99/lb apples | Family-run since 1831, bakery, cider donuts |
| Eckert’s Belleville / Millstadt / Grafton | Varies by location; generally 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Belleville store) | $3–6 field access, ~$2.99/lb | Large farm experience, restaurants, fall festivals |
| Thies Farm & Market | Tue–Sat: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | ~$2/lb apples | Close-to-city orchard, “Pumpkinland” play area |
| Thierbach Orchards | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. weekends Sept–Oct | ~$3 field access | 15+ apple varieties, kid-friendly activities |
✨ Make This Tradition Yours
Apple picking is more than just a photo op — it’s a way to pause, gather and start the year with intention. Whether you dip your apples in honey, date syrup or something new, may every bite be a blessing for a year of sweetness, growth and joy.
