Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year holiday, representing a time for reflection. The holiday lasts for two days, beginning at sundown Friday, September 15th and ends on Sunday. Customs include blowing a ram's horn (Shofar), to show a fresh start. Also, foods like apples in honey are eaten to represent a sweet new year.
Jews can celebrate a variety of ways in Denver
Attend Judaism Your Way, an open-minded organization founded by an inter-faith couple serving the Denver/Boulder area. They offer online and in-person services for Rosh Hashana (including a family service).
Celebrate with Temple Emanuel, one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the state. Register to attend on their website, or view an online stream of the event on their page.
Denver Jewish Center, who teach Jewish values to the South Denver community, is hosting High Holiday services, including plenty of events for kids.
Rosh Hashanah for Kids
PJ Library, a Jewish non-profit focusing on sharing free books about Jewish traditions, shares many activities to get children involved in Rosh Hashanah.
Toddlers and children under 5
Try sensory experiences, like helping to make challah (or even just eating it!). Let them dip the apples in honey or sound the shofar.
You can create crafts with them around honey, like drawing honeycomb or making a bees nest.
Sing songs or read picture books like Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah by Sylvia Rouss to bring in the magic!
Kids ages 5+
Talk about setting goals for the new year and help them write it down.
Learn to braid by braiding the challah!
Turn on a Youtube video explaining Rosh Hashanah in a kid-friendly way with their favorite cartoons!
Older children (pre-teens)
Have them help in the kitchen by preparing traditional foods. Or bring out the fun by making apple pops!
Talk about larger themes around forgiveness and bettering yourself for the new year. Help them create a goal chart to be able to hang in their rooms.
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