Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish High Holidays begin with Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, and end ten days later with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

The new year is a joyous time filled with family, friends, and food, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on our actions of the past year, and to consider ways to improve in the next. During the ten-day period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur it is traditional to apologize to people we may have hurt, and to forgive those who have hurt us. Jews the world over go to synagogue to hear the shofar (ram’s horn), whose sharp calls are meant to awaken us and remind us to pay attention to our behavior and actions.

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Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish new year. This means celebrations, happiness, and also reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the coming one. For families, there are so many wonderful traditions to engage in--dipping apples in honey, braiding and tasting round challah, making cards, and listening to the blast of the shofar.

Use the links below to find fun, hands-on learning activities, and discussion guides to help your kids get ready for the new year.

12 Fall Activities With a Jewish Twist
How to Braid a Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah
Make Your Own Rosh Hashanah Cards
Explaining Tashlich to Kids
Singing & Dancing In the New Year

On Rosh Hashanah, be sure to wish your family and friends, "L’shana tova," a happy and sweet new year.