Behind the song
The song’s story
A wish for the year ahead
Shana tova is a wish for a good year. Rosh Hashanah gives that wish tangible forms: the shofar's sound, apples and honey, and foods carrying hopes for the future. The greeting belongs to a living practice, not to one particular song.
Sweetness becomes a picture
Our lyric brings those familiar holiday objects into an English celebration. Honey and apples let a child see and taste the wish for a sweet year; the musical refrain makes it something a family can say together.
A new song, familiar roots
Walter J. Kin wrote and produced this Shana Tova as an original English song. Its connection to Jewish tradition comes through the New Year greeting and customs, not through borrowing the authorship of another composition with the same title.
About this recording
A family gathers around apples, honey and round bread. The shofar calls, the chorus wishes everyone a sweet year, and a child promises a fresh start with kindness.
Walter J. Kin wrote the music and words for this Rosh Hashanah song. Its bright, repeated greeting and line-dance feel invite children and families to join in.