Apples have always been a big part of our Jewish home. As the spouse of an elementary school teacher, I make it a habit to hand-deliver a basket full of fresh apples to school on the first day of class. Today, Aug. 21 happens to be that day.  One apple per student, and of course one for Leigh, or Mrs. Palmer, as she is known.

When my now two college-aged kids were young, we, like many families, loved to pack the kids into the mini-van and go apple picking. While I liked the apples, it was also a great way to wear the kids out, and they’d always nap like champs.

And with Rosh Hashanah just a few weeks away, (Rosh Hashanah will begin on Friday evening, September 15, and end at sundown on Sunday, September 17) why not get a head start on helping other Jewish families make the most of the apple-picking experience? Thus, the return of our annual, “Ultimate Rosh Hashanah Guide to apple picking in St. Louis.”

Apples and honey

The classic symbol of the Jewish New Year is the apple dipped in honey. We do this to express our hopes for a sweet and fruitful year. But where does this tradition come from?  There is nothing written in the Bible or the Talmud saying all Jews must dip apples in honey. In fact, in some Jewish homes, challah is dipped in honey for the same reason.

But for many Jewish families, including my own, the extra sweetness of the apple combined with the tanginess of the honey only makes for an even sweeter experience.

“Really, the main reason apples are traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah is based in nature, not religion,” said Rabbi Randy Fleischer of Central Reform Congregation. “Because apples are identified with autumn, and the Jewish year changes in that season, a time of change in the natural world, which Jews hope we can mirror and be more open to change in ourselves as well.”

There is one overtly Jewish religious meaning surrounding apples, besides the Adam and Eve story.

“In mystical Judaism, apples represent the divine presence (Shechinah), that we hope is with us as we do the challenging High Holy Day work of evaluating the previous year and resolving to be more loving, compassionate, generous, etc. in the year that has just begun,” said Fleisher.

Picking your own

St. Louisans is blessed to have many wonderful local options from which to pick your own. Here are some of the top local destinations in alphabetical order.

Broom Orchard

Their Farm Market is open from mid-July through November 1st. You’ll find more than just apples. Look for fresh peaches, blackberries, nectarines, plums, pears and pumpkins when in season. The market is also stocked with Amish-made apple butter, Illinois honey, popcorn, preserves, butters and all fruit spreads.

• Types of apples: Zestar, Paula Red, Blondee, Gala, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Ida Red, Jon-A-Gold, Cameo, Mutsu, Winesap, Fuji, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Scarlet Beauty, Pink Lady and EverCrisp; call for latest crop update.
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 12-5.
• Contact Info: 12803 Broom Road, Carlinville, Illinois. 217-854-3514.

Centennial Farms and Orchard

• Types of apples: They grow 16 varieties of apples that ripen from the middle of August until early October.
• Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.
• Contact Info:  199 Jackson, Augusta. 636-228-4338

Eckert’s

The month of September marks the 60th anniversary of Pick-Your-Own Apple Season at Eckert’s, and the farm plans to celebrate with 60% Off all Pick-Your-Own Apples on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10. With this deal, guests can purchase Pick-Your-Own Apples for just $0.99 per pound at all farm locations.

• Types of apples: Different varieties are available at each site.
• Hours: Fields are accessible from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
• Contact Info: Belleville: 618-310-2758, 951 S. Green Mt., Belleville, Illinois. Grafton: 800-745-0513, 20995 Eckert Orchard, Grafton, Illinois. Millstadt: 618-233-0513, 2719 Eckert Orchard, Millstadt, Illinois.