This weekend, several Manhattan bakeries and delis began offering scaled-down Rosh Hashana menus for early autumn. At Breads Bakery on East 16th Street, a display of pistachio snacking cakes now sits beside traditional round challahs. Staff said several dozen advance orders were picked up Sunday morning, as customers prepare for the holiday starting next week.
Nearby, at Zabar’s on the Upper West Side, roast chicken is packed in single and double portions with sides of carrots and potatoes. Managers cite requests from smaller households and busy schedules. "People want something symbolic, but not a whole feast," said one counter worker on Friday afternoon.
A handful of kosher markets in Borough Park and Forest Hills have also added compact Rosh Hashana sets to their prepared foods counters. Some include a small jar of honey and apple slices with each order. Prices for these mini menus range from $18 to $36, depending on the selection.
The trend arrives as many New Yorkers balance holiday tradition with limited time and space. Several bakery owners said weekday foot traffic has increased as families pick up items to bring to relatives or to mark the holiday at home.
Rosh Hashana begins at sundown on Wednesday, September 9. Retailers expect to sell through most of the mini menu items by Tuesday evening, as last-minute shoppers look for easy options.