Engaging Children in Rosh Hashanah Traditions
September often brings a sense of renewal for many families as the weather cools and children return to school. For Jewish households, this time holds even greater significance with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, marking the start of the Jewish New Year. It's an opportune moment for introspection and setting intentions for the upcoming year.
Shevy Vigler, the visionary behind Alef Bet Preschool in Manhattan and a mother of eight, including young triplets, offers a collection of imaginative and heartwarming ways to engage children in the festive spirit, creating lasting memories and deepening their connection to the holiday's traditions.
One delightful activity is crafting “Honey Sensory Bags.” Vigler suggests filling double-sealed plastic bags with honey, adding food coloring for vibrant hues, and allowing children to draw on the bags. This activity not only introduces the concept of honey as a symbol of a sweet new year but also provides a stimulating sensory experience for young ones.
Another creative endeavor involves decorating “Honey Jars.” Children can adorn mason jars with various materials like paper, beads, and markers, transforming them into festive holiday decorations. These personalized jars can then be filled with honey, which the children can proudly help serve during the Rosh Hashanah dinner.
To extend the honey theme, consider making “Honeycomb Bubble Wrap” art. Dipping bubble wrap into yellow paint creates a texture resembling a honeycomb, which can be used to make unique decorations for the home, adding a sweet touch to the festive ambiance.
Sending “Shana Tova Cards” is a cherished custom for wishing family and friends a happy and sweet New Year. Involving children in decorating these cards allows them to participate actively in this tradition and express their creativity.
Pomegranates, with their abundance of seeds, symbolize a year filled with many merits. A fun activity for children is to count the seeds as they enjoy this sweet and symbolic snack, fostering an understanding of its significance.
Baking is another wonderful way to celebrate. Creating cookies in holiday-themed shapes, such as a shofar (ram's horn), apples, or honey jars, adds a special touch to the culinary festivities. The shofar itself is a significant symbol, blown as a call to spiritual awakening for the New Year.
No Rosh Hashanah celebration is complete without “Honey Cake,” a traditional dessert. Baking it in mason jars can turn it into a thoughtful and delicious gift for loved ones. Additionally, baking “Round Challahs” and allowing children to decorate them with raisins or chocolate chips, or sweet toppings, adds to the festive meal.
Making “Applesauce” from scratch is another engaging activity that reinforces the symbolism of apples for a sweet year. Children involved in this process will feel a stronger connection to the holiday's essence. Lastly, decorating the home with apple-themed accents and other festive decor, including handmade art and place cards for the dinner table, enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
To further immerse children in the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, Vigler recommends visiting the library to borrow holiday-themed books. Favorites include 'Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah' by Sylvia A. Rouss and 'It’s Shofar Time' by Latifa Berry Kropf. Complementing storytime with holiday music, easily found on platforms like Spotify by searching for “Rosh Hashanah playlist for kids,” can enrich the experience, making the celebration both educational and joyful for the entire family. These activities collectively weave a rich tapestry of tradition, creativity, and togetherness for the Jewish New Year.
