Can I put lemon juice on the Rosh Hashanah apples?
(This from my partner, who is an observant Conservative Jew.) There are no rules about peeling apples, lemon juice, drizzling vs. dipping, etc., so all of that is just fine. As far as the kind of honey, the kind you’re bringing may be certified kosher, but there’s an even more intense level of rabbinic certification called a hecksher, which TJ’s may or may not have. But it probably doesn’t matter to anyone but the most Orthodox Jews, who wouldn’t be celebrating with the goyim anyway. From what you say, it sounds like jeans will be fine, although it would be polite not to show too much cleavage or chest hair. Have fun, and l’shanah tovah!
If the house you are visiting is kosher, then don’t prepare the apples ahead. They will want them put on “kosher plates” – theoretically, this should not matter with apples and honey which are neither milk nor meat, but kosher-keeping folk can get very strict about these things. Chances are, if they’re welcoming you to bring food they are not kosher. Those who keep kosher usually only accept food from others that they know are also kosher. There is nothing wrong at all with putting lemon juice on the apples, but I would personally wait to slice them right before serving for the reason that lemuria stated above. There are no restrictions on peeling or not. As stated above, the traditional way to serve apples and honey is to pass the slices with a bowl of honey, and say two prayers thanking God for the fruit of the earth, and for a sweet new year. Just wear something tasteful.
