Rosh HaShanah: Simanim L'Avos

Rabbi Shulman explains the Gemara’s practice of eating symbolic foods on Rosh Hashanah and addresses the obvious concern: isn’t this superstition and therefore a form of **דרכי האמורי**? He develops two approaches—first, that the effectiveness of **simanim** depends on **תשובה** and inner intention expressed through **יהי רצון**; second, that physical symbols can serve as an “anchor” for spiritual ideas, following the Ramban’s principle seen throughout prophetic actions. Rabbi Shulman then presents the Maharal’s deeper framing: the simanim are meant to awaken **זכות אבות**, and each food corresponds to a distinct quality associated with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Outline: https://danielggordon.github.io/ateresami/rosh-hashanah-simanim-leavos-20260911-030331-outline-20260911-030358.pdf