Rosh HaShanah, the first day of Tishrei, coincides with the sixth day of creation and marks the anniversary of mankind, when Hashem created Adam and Chava. It’s also the beginning of the new lunar calendar year, which falls out on Friday evening this year.
Rosh HaShanah is about declaring Hashem as sovereign King of the universe, and it symbolizes a yearly re-crowning through our actions and acceptance of His divine authority. On this judgment day, which is a matter of life and death, we also embark on the serious task of examining our lives and doing teshuvah for any wrongs we have committed. It is a time to make amends and strive to be a better person in the coming year. Nevertheless, Rosh HaShanah is filled with hope for the New Year because Hashem, the Almighty, is compassionate, forgiving, and willing to accept our prayers and repentance.
At the beginning of the Rosh HaShanah meal, we dip our apples (representing Gan Eden) in honey, which is quintessentially symbolic of a sweet New Year. Apples, sweet fruits known for their healing properties, and honey, which signifies the hope that the New Year will be sweet, combine together for a double dose of sweetness. We beseech Hashem, “May it be Your will to inscribe us for a good and sweet New Year.”
Honey is a product that contains necessary ingredients to keep you healthy. It is also rich in vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. Besides being a delicious and nutritious sweetening agent, it can work miracles for your skin, since it contains antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it can hydrate your skin as well. Read on to discover ten skin benefits you will be able to achieve after Rosh HaShanah with the help of your leftover honey.
Acne – To fight acne and reduce redness, you can combine 1 TB honey, which has anti-inflammatory properties, with half a teaspoon of cinnamon, which also has antibacterial properties. Apply this mixture wherever you have acne and wash it off after 10 minutes.
Hydrating Hair Mask – Because of its moisturizing properties, honey is an ideal way to restore moisture to dry and damaged hair. To make a repairing mask, mix 2 parts honey and 2 parts olive oil. Then apply it to damp hair and wrap it into a bun. Shampoo it out after 20 minutes, and you will notice smooth and conditioned hair with a beautiful shine.
Dry Lips – Honey is a great humectant, which has the power to moisturize and heal dry, chapped lips. Dab some honey right onto your lips to hydrate and restore lost moisture.
Facial Cleanser/Exfoliant – The enzymes in honey have the ability to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. To make an all-natural facial cleanser, mix 1 TB honey and 1 TB ground oatmeal, which is a natural cleanser and does a great job exfoliating the skin. After you remove your makeup, massage this onto your skin for a few minutes, and you will be left with a healthy, glowing complexion.
Face Mask – For another simple face mask with tons of benefits, all you need is honey. It’s loaded with nutrients and enzymes that help clarify the skin and keep it hydrated by retaining moisture. It also promotes healing, lightens acne scars, and leaves you with a beautiful glow. Let the mask sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
Smooth Cracked Cuticles – Because of honey’s humectant properties, it attracts and seals in moisture, which helps hydrate giant cuticles.
Soften Rough Patches – To smooth out dry knees and elbows, mix 1 cup brown sugar, half a cup of olive oil, and 3 TB honey. You will notice that the skin appears softer after you rinse off the mixture.
Healthy Skin – Eat a spoonful of honey a day. It tastes great and is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and B vitamins, which are essential for healthy-looking skin.
Hair Removal – This safe hair-waxing method has been around for centuries, is natural, and is less painful than professional waxing. To create a homemade wax, bring the following mixture to a boil: 1 TB honey, 3 TB brown sugar, and 1 TB lemon juice. When the mixture boils, it creates a sugar wax. Allow the mixture to cool down for about 20 minutes, and always test it before applying in order to prevent burns. When the mixture cools down, spread it onto the skin that has hair. Use a cotton strip to pull in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Calm Eczema – When you have an eczema flare-up, you can calm your skin down by applying raw honey for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to sit in a spot that you won’t stick to. This works as a natural anti-inflammatory for your skin.
Wishing everyone a Shana Tova U’metuka, a very sweet and happy New Year, filled with besuros tovos.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.