What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish religious holiday. It celebrates the Jewish New Year as well as the creation of the world.
Rosh Hashanah generally falls in the month of September, but can actually be between September 5th and October 5th. It always occurs 163 days after Passover. It also never falls on a Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday.
Fun Facts About Rosh Hashanah
- The blowing of the shofar horn has specific requirements. Exactly 100 notes is blown each day.
- Jewish people are not supposed to work on this holiday.
- People often greet each other on this day by saying "L'shanah tovah" which means "for a good year".
- The holiday officially begins at nightfall.
- It occurs during the Jewish month of Tishri.
- It is considered one of the High Holy days or Days of Awe.
When is Rosh Hashanah?
Friday 15 and Sunday 17 September
Activities:
- Apple Prints - Since apples are an important symbol of Rosh Hashanah, this craft uses them to make beautiful card stock prints that can be used for greeting cards, place holders or just to hang up and admire.
- Reading stories to learn and celebrate Rosh Hashamah - https://www.chabad.org/kids/article_cdo/aid/4756/jewish/Stories.htm
- How to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with imporant meaningful symbols:
- Arts and Crafts - Children engaging in making colourful cellophane fish - Fish symbolises the translation of Rosh Hashanah, which means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew.
- Symbolic bread called challah is baked, sweetened with raisins and braided into a round shape.
Click the following link for more Rosh Hashanah reciepes: https://www.chabad.org/kids/article_cdo/aid/354776/jewish/Recipes.htm - Dipping apples into honey - Apples are dipped in honey, again symbolizing sweetness.
All of these traditions are important, because they help to connect us to the deeper meaning of the Rosh Hashanah holiday.