The high holidays can be a time of chaos, especially if you have young children. It’s also that one time of the year that asks us to be introspective and take stock of our actions. Ensuring that your kids are occupied will alleviate some of the additional stress around this time. With just a little bit of forethought and preparation, you can have some fun projects ready for those little idle hands.
To ensure the true meaning of this time is not lost on the kids (depending on their age) be sure to prepare them for what is to come. For example, you can model the behavior you would like to see from them. Show your gratitude and engage them in conversations about tzedekah, and teshuvah. Including some of these themes into the craft projects is an effective way for them to understand the true meaning behind this important time.
Here are a few ideas:
Pomegranate Introduction
One of the more unique symbols of the high holidays is the bitter (sweet) pomegranate. This is a great time to introduce your kids to this unique fruit. Have some fun by trying to count all of the seeds and learning about the symbolism behind them.
The tradition teaches that it is a symbol of righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom. In fact, the 613 seeds in each piece of fruit is said to represent the 613 mitzvot of the torah.
For many Jews, the pomegranate has a starring role on the second night of Rosh Hashanah during the custom of reciting a blessing over a “new fruit” (one they have not eaten in a long time).
Tashlich
The beloved tradition of going to a nearby body of water and casting away our sins is an essential part of the holiday. Try thinking of a “sin” that corresponds to each letter in a name or the alphabet to get rid of. Challenge your kids to create their own list.
Apple Printing
Materials:
All you need for this project are an apple, a fork, red paint, and Construction paper.
1. Cut the apple in half (length-wise).
2. Insert the fork into the apple and dip into the paint. 3. “Stamp” it over the paper or make patterns with it. Alternately, you can fold the paper and create a Happy New Year Card with your prints.
Honey Dish
Materials:
• Apple
• Honey
• Lemon Juice
• Paring knife
This tasty activity is not only delicious, but functional too.
Instructions:
1. Remove the core of the apple and scrape the sides to hollow them out.
2. Take lemon juice and rub on the inside of the apple to prevent it from browning.
3. Next, fill the apple with honey and place apple slices around it for dipping.
Challah Cover
Placing a homemade cover over your challah takes this well-loved tradition to the next level.
Materials:
• 11×17” piece of fabric (alternately you can use a handkerchief)
• Fabric Markers
• Fabric Glue
• Embellishments like beads, mini jewels, or stickers
Instructions:
1. Tape down each corner of the fabric.
2. Glue on your embellishments or use markers to write “Challah” on the fabric.
3. Lay fabric flat to dry.
Honeybee New Year’s Cards
These adorable honeycomb pattern cards are simple to make and use materials you probably have around the house.
Materials:
• Card stock cut into rectangles to fit into any type of envelopes you have around
• Small piece of bubble wrap (smaller than the card stock)
• Water-based acrylic paint in shades of yellow (you can add white to lighten it up
• Paint Brush
• Black Sharpie
Instructions:
1. Paint one side of the bubble wrap with the lighter shade of yellow.
2. Turn bubble wrap over and “stamp” it in the center of your card.
3. Pat down ensuring the corners make contact with the paper.
4. Once dry, the pattern will resemble a honeycomb. Next, dip thumb into darker shade of paint and stamp two more onto front of the card. (These will be the Bees.)
5. Repeat the steps for as many cards as you want to send. Once dry, use marker to add black stripes and wings to your honeybee. You can also add the words: “Shanah Tovah” on the inside of your card, or at the top.
Gena Ansell-Lande is a contributing writer to My Jewish Learning and Jlife Magazine.
