On a discussion board this week with Yekkes in Eretz, a post mentioned the fact that many of our parents used nothing other than an apple dipped in honey for the “simanim” on Rosh Hashanah eve. Today, many of us have a variety of fruit and vegetable on the table and a placard from an institutional mailing, to help us through the various prayers. 

What changed? 

Mostly our awareness. Today, a person has access to many publications in the English language. People know the Halachos from several sources. People have more contact with other people and their Minhagim. Our approach to Mitzvah performance seeks to cover all the bases. Scarcity is more scarce. And all of the above. 

But what I posted to this message board was that the Minhag—mentioned first in the Gemara—had been mostly forgotten by the masses until the appearance of the placards. The apple and honey were sufficient, and it was a special moment in the year—a savored moment—done with a simplicity that is not always found anymore. 

Now, there was once a writer of Jewish sociological books, who wrote in an article (1990s) abot how he remembers a simpler time that people would buy candy bars based upon just reading the ingredients. The Jewish Observer roasted him for that line, since it is like longing for ignorance and folly. 

But I know what he missed; perhaps he didn’t quite know how to express it. 

He missed the innocence (or perceived innocence) of his childhood.  

I recently saw an internet meme. It showed an old Blockbuster Video (rental store). The sign in front said: “It is not me, you miss. It is your childhood!” 

All that said, the discussion went to which Siman to use first, which is a complicated sheilo in Halachos of Brachos. Many said that even with all the variety at the table, including fruits of Israel, the apple still goes first since it has precedence as “Chaviv”. The beloved fruit. 

I smiled when I saw this. Seems I am not the only one missing my childhood.