As we welcome the High Holidays this year (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah) it’s a time for all of us to reflect on where we are and where we’re headed. Whether it’s your family’s first time celebrating the holidays or you’re a seasoned pro, each new year offers a chance for growth and change. What will this new year bring for the world—and for you?
Making Rosh Hashanah Special for Little Ones
Rosh Hashanah, often called the “birthday of the world,” begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and ends in the evening on Friday, October 4. It’s a time filled with love, reflection, prayer, song—and of course, delicious food like apples dipped in honey and round challah, or treasured simanim like pomegranates, dates, leeks, and carrots.
For young children and toddlers, Rosh Hashanah is a sensory delight. The warmth of challah, the sticky sweetness of honey, the blast of the shofar—it’s a holiday full of moments your little ones will treasure.
Your kids will love these fun, at-home activities bringing the holidays to life:
- Apple Printing Cards: Let your children use cut apples as stamps to make festive Rosh Hashanah cards for family and friends.
- Honey-Scented Playdough: Capture the smells of the season with homemade honey-scented playdough.
- Baking Apple Cookie Pops: Even the littlest hands can help stir and roll dough to create these delicious treats.
- Kid-approved Stories: Read beloved PJ Library books like Rosh Hashanah is Coming and Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashanah to explore the holiday through stories.
As your kids grow, you can start teaching them about the deeper meanings behind the High Holidays. Engaging them in conversations about saying sorry, making better choices, and participating in the tashlich ceremony helps them understand the values of reflection and renewal. Books like Apple Days and New Year at the Pier are wonderful for exploring these concepts.
Bringing the Community Together
If you’re not celebrating in a synagogue or community gathering this year, don’t worry. You can still create a sense of connection with family and friends.
Here are our top three favorite ways to feel more connected:
- Gather how you can! Set up a video call before the holiday to share blessings and wishes for the new year.
- Pick an activity to do together. Sync up mealtime or prayers with loved ones, even if you’re apart.
- Mail some sweet thoughts. Send letters to family and friends, asking them to share their reflections on the past year or hopes for the new one.
PJ Library High Holiday Kits (The registration is closed at this time)
To help families celebrate and learn about the Jewish holidays, PJ Library is offering special High Holiday Kits, perfect for at-home use or to share with your child’s teacher. These kits include learning materials, a PJ Library book, craft supplies, and a letter to your child’s educator.
Whether it’s your family’s first Rosh Hashanah or you’re looking for some fresh ideas to spruce up this year’s celebrations, these kits are packed full of holiday wonder. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this High Holiday season both meaningful and fun for your little ones!
Inspiring Change for the New Year
The High Holidays aren’t just about reflection—they’re also about action. As we gather with our families, we can think about how we want to grow in the year ahead. Whether it’s making apologies, setting goals, or committing to small acts of kindness, every step forward counts.
So, how will you and your family celebrate this year? What new traditions will you begin? However you choose to observe the holidays, may this season bring joy, connection, and reflection to your home. Shanah Tova, a happy New Year!