Sweet Sounds of Yom Teruah: Apples, Date Caramel, and Family Joy

As the shofar blasts usher us into Yom Teruah, our homes fill with both the awe of God’s majesty and the sweetness of His promises. This season isn’t only about hearing the trumpet and turning our hearts in teshuvah (repentance); it’s also about cultivating joy and togetherness as we prepare for the High Holy Days. We have spent many years enjoying the recipes, living books, and traditions in our Blessed Rosh Hashanah family guide. One of our most beloved traditions is tasting apples dipped in something sweet, symbolizing our prayer for a good and fruitful year ahead.

While honey is the classic choice, many Messianic Jewish families also enjoy date honey (silan), which is mentioned in Deuteronomy as part of the richness of the Land. Dates remind us of God’s provision and abundance, and they make a delicious, nourishing alternative. Today, I’d love to share a family-friendly twist: homemade date caramel and a build-your-own apple + date caramel dip bar.

🍯 Simple Date Caramel Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Medjool dates, pitted
• 3-4 Tablespoons milk of choice  (we often use half and half)
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Soak the dates in warm water for 10–15 minutes if they feel dry.
2. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add extra water a tablespoon at a time if it’s too thick.
4. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

The result is a silky, naturally sweet “caramel” that pairs perfectly with crisp apples.

🍏 Create Your Apple + Date Caramel Dip Bar

This activity is especially fun for children and keeps them engaged in both the tradition and the joy of tasting sweetness together. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Apples

• Slice several varieties of apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith) for variety in flavor and crunch.
• To prevent browning, dip slices in a bowl of water mixed with a little lemon juice.

2. Set Out the Date Caramel

• Spoon your homemade caramel into a pretty bowl or several small ramekins.

3. Offer Toppings
Place bowls of toppings around the caramel so everyone can customize their dip. Some family favorites:

• Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• Mini chocolate chips (white, dark, milk)
• Unsweetened shredded coconut
  
• Cinnamon sugar dusting
• Pomegranate seeds (a traditional fruit of the season)

4. Family Blessing
Before digging in, gather everyone to say a blessing. A simple one:
“Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, borei p’ri ha’etz”
(Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.)

💡 Reflection for Families

As you enjoy this apple date caramel dip bar, talk with your children about:

• The shofar’s call to wake up and return to God.
• The sweetness we desire - not only in flavor, but in the way we speak to one another in the year ahead.
• How Messiah Yeshua is the true source of sweetness and life.

This Yom Teruah, may your home ring with the joyful sound of shofars, laughter around the table, and sticky caramel-coated smiles. May your year be filled with God’s goodness, renewal, and His sweet presence.