Acrylic Simanim Trays for Rosh Hashanah

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simanim tray used for?

A simanim tray presents the symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah — apple in honey, pomegranate, dates, and the rest — in one organized display, so the simanim seder can move food by food around the table. Sectioned acrylic designs give each siman its own place and keep honey and beet juice from running together.

How do you serve the simanim at the Rosh Hashanah meal?

The simanim are traditionally brought to the table after Kiddush and hamotzi, before the main courses. The tray is set before the head of the household, who recites each Yehi Ratzon in turn as that food is tasted; at larger tables, some families pass the tray or use individual trays so every guest reaches each siman easily.

Which foods go on a simanim tray?

The classic lineup is apple with honey, pomegranate, dates, leek, gourd, beets, black-eyed peas (rubia), and a fish head or head of lamb — with communities adding or omitting according to their minhag. A tray with distinct sections or dishes for each symbolic food keeps the presentation as meaningful as the prayers.

What is the best material for a simanim tray?

Acrylic — often called Lucite — is the modern favorite: sticky honey, date syrup, and beet juice wipe right off, it won't chip like ceramic, and it photographs beautifully on a Yom Tov table. Waterdale's simanim trays come in pearlstone, honeycomb, and woven textures, so durability doesn't come at the cost of design.

Are the simanim eaten on both nights of Rosh Hashanah?

The simanim seder is most widely observed on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, and many families repeat some or all of the simanim on the second night as well — customs vary, so follow your family's minhag. Either way, the tray stays on the table for both nights of Yom Tov.

Do simanim trays come with the Yehi Ratzon texts?

Some do — the Suspended Simanim Tray Card Set pairs the tray with matching cards carrying each bracha and Yehi Ratzon. If your tray doesn't include them, pairing it with a simanim card set from the same design family gives the table both the foods and the blessings in one coordinated look.

How do I clean and store an acrylic simanim tray?

Wash with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth — skip abrasive sponges and harsh chemicals, which can cloud acrylic. Dry with a microfiber cloth and store flat with your Rosh Hashanah tableware, and the tray will look new when the Yamim Noraim come around again.

Is a simanim tray a good Rosh Hashanah hostess gift?

It's one of the most practical luxury gifts of the season — a hostess can set it out the very night she receives it, and it returns every year after. Pair a woven or pearlstone simanim tray with a honey dish for a gift that covers the sweetest moments of the Rosh Hashanah table.

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