Every autumn, Jewish families around the world gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Children dip crisp apples into honey, families share festive meals, and communities come together to pray for a year of sweetness and renewal.
At Tamim Academy, Rosh Hashanah is not only a holiday marked on the calendar but also an opportunity to weave Jewish values into daily learning and to help children see the connection between tradition, reflection, and growth.
This post explores the meaning of Rosh Hashanah, how children can understand its themes, and practical ways families can bring its lessons into everyday life.
The Sweet Symbolism of Apples and Honey
Few traditions are as iconic as dipping apples into honey on Rosh Hashanah. For children, this is a tangible and delicious way to participate in the holiday. Behind the sweetness, however, lies a deeper message. Apples are crisp, natural, and simple, while honey is rich and enduring. Together they represent the hope that the year ahead will be both wholesome and sweet.
At school, children can explore this symbolism through hands-on projects. Younger students might create artwork with apple prints and honey jars, while older students can write reflections on what a “sweet year” means to them in terms of kindness, learning, and personal goals.
Teaching Teshuvah in Child-Friendly Ways
Rosh Hashanah is not only about celebration but also about reflection. One of its central themes is teshuvah, which means “return” or “repentance.” For adults, this might involve serious self-examination and prayer. For children, teshuvah can be introduced in age-appropriate ways, focusing on concepts like making amends, saying sorry, and trying again.
In classrooms, teachers can model teshuvah through role play, encouraging students to practice phrases like “I am sorry,” “Next time I will…” and “How can I make this better?” These simple but powerful tools help children see that mistakes are not final. Instead, they are opportunities to learn and grow.
Connecting School and Home
Families play a central role in helping children experience the spirit of the High Holidays. At Tamim, we encourage parents to reinforce what children are learning at school by creating meaningful traditions at home.
Some ideas include:
- Family Reflection Night: Sit together and share one thing each family member would like to improve in the new year.
- Gratitude Jar: Place slips of paper with moments of gratitude inside a jar throughout September. Read them aloud during Rosh Hashanah dinner.
- Vision Boards: Invite children to create a simple vision board with images or words that represent their goals for the year.
These activities not only reinforce the holiday themes but also help children develop life skills such as reflection, goal-setting, and empathy.
The Power of Community
One of the most beautiful aspects of Rosh Hashanah is the sense of community. Whether it is attending services, gathering with extended family, or participating in school celebrations, the holiday reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
At Tamim Academy, we emphasise this through school-wide assemblies and collaborative projects. Children might sing holiday songs together, contribute to a mural representing hopes for the new year, or participate in a tashlich ceremony by symbolically casting away mistakes into water. These experiences create a sense of belonging and show children that Jewish life is strengthened through community.
Beyond the Holidays
Although Rosh Hashanah lasts for just two days, its lessons extend throughout the year. Reflection, renewal, and kindness are not seasonal values. By reinforcing them in everyday learning, teachers and parents help children build habits of empathy and resilience.
For example, a child who learns to apologise sincerely during the holidays can be encouraged to practice the same skill in November when a playground disagreement arises. A child who sets a personal goal at the start of the year can revisit it in January and June to see how much progress has been made.
A Message for Parents
As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, remember that children learn as much from what we do as from what we say. When parents model reflection, forgiveness, and gratitude, children absorb these values deeply. Even small gestures, such as apologising for losing patience or expressing thanks for a family meal, leave a lasting impression.
The new year is an invitation for all of us to grow. At Tamim Academy, we are committed to supporting children and families on this journey by blending academic excellence with Jewish wisdom and values.
Conclusion
Apples and honey may be the sweetest symbols of Rosh Hashanah, but the true sweetness of the holiday comes from the growth, reflection, and community it inspires. As families gather around their tables and students bring their holiday learning into the classroom, may this season remind us all that every day is a chance to start fresh.
By blending tradition with daily life, we help children not only celebrate Jewish holidays but live Jewish values in everything they do.
