Food often serves as a bridge between culture, tradition, and community. On Sept. 10, the University of Iowa Anne Frank Initiative, an International Programs affinity group, invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate the Jewish New Year through a special event highlighting the foods and customs of Rosh Hashanah.

Taste the Foods of Rosh Hashanah 
Date & Time: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 5 to 6:30 p.m. (CDT) 
Location: Phillips Hall, CLCL (120 PH) 

Rosh Hashanah, which begins Sept. 11 and continues through Sept. 13 in 2026, marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The holiday is traditionally observed with symbolic foods that represent hope for a sweet, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. During this interactive event, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of foods commonly enjoyed during Rosh Hashanah while learning about the traditions and meanings associated with them.

“The fall, which is the start of the new academic year, is also the season of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Let's celebrate together!” shared Denise Filios, associate professor, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Come and try typical food served on this holiday and learn more about Rosh Hashanah.”

Hosted by the Anne Frank Initiative, the event is free and open to the public.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Denise Filios in advance at 319-335-3451 or denise-filios@uiowa.edu. 

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.