SAN DIEGO — Rosh Hashanah and Yon Kippur are almost here. This year’s celebration will definitely be different from those of past years. There will be services to be watched from the safety of our homes, both for adults and for kids. But how will children be involved by watching without interacting?
PJ Library has come up with the perfect solution. They have assembled a fifty-page packet of information, crafts, recipes and conversation starters to engage children of all ages and encourage interaction between all family members.
Both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are explained in simple terms. Apples play a central role in everything from an Easy Baked Apple Dessert, to Apple stenciled greeting cards and of course, to apples dipped in honey. Kids can make their own shofars and learn the words for the different sounds called out during the holidays. There are even directions on how to braid a round challah. The Kiddush blessings are shown in Hebrew with transliterations and English translations.
The main prayers for both holidays are explained in simple terms that allow children to feel comfortable saying them. There are also suggestions for discussion topics between parents and their kids. For example, the Ashamnu is described as a prayer where “we take responsibility” for our mistakes, because everyone makes mistakes. Tashlich is explained, as are the ten days “of returning” in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. There are five family conversations included for these days as well as two additional art projects.
There are also activities and discussions prepared for Yom Kippur. All of the art projects are geared to helping make the world a better place.
This resource is packed with everything you need to provide your family with a meaningful Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. And, best of all, you can get your free copy by clicking on this link.
Shanah tovah umetukah! Have a good and sweet year!
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Marcia Berneger is a retired elementary school teacher as well as a teacher at Torah school. She is the author of such children’s books as Buster the Little Garbage Truck, and A Dreidel in Time