As a Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah provides a wonderful opportunity to teach students about Jewish culture, holidays, and traditions. This famous Jewish holiday is recognized as one of the most significant of the Jewish calendar, marking the start of the Jewish New Year.
There are a variety of activities that teachers can use to teach students about Rosh Hashanah, from reading books to classroom discussions to hands-on projects. Here are some of the most exciting activities to teach students about Rosh Hashanah:
1. Read Aloud Books about Rosh Hashanah
Reading books about Rosh Hashanah is one of the most natural and easiest ways to educate students about the holiday. There are many books available that delve into the history and meaning behind Rosh Hashanah. For example, it might include teaching students the words, “Shana Tova” which is used as a greeting during this time. Children’s books with bright illustrations will keep young learners engaged and curious.
2. Rosh Hashanah Cookbook
A Rosh Hashanah cookbook with recipes for the major food staples of this holiday is an excellent way to teach students about the customs of the holiday. Foods like challah, apples, and honey are commonly eaten over this holiday. Assigning students different recipes with a cooking theme can lead to a more interactive and hands-on classroom setting.
3. Decorate a Honey Jar
Decorating a honey jar is a fun and creative activity that can be done in or outside of the classroom. Exploring why honey is a big part of this holiday and the symbolic meanings behind the food ties it to the overall importance of the holiday. As a closing for the activity, students can bring their homemade honey jars home to share with their families.
4. Create an Art Project with an Apple
Rosh Hashanah frequently includes apples dipped Honey. To bring hands-on learning into the classroom, teachers can have students create apple prints or art projects to showcase their artistic abilities. Allowing students the ability to be creative and express themselves is a great way to engage them in learning about different cultures in a fun way.
5. Community Service
The importance of giving back to one’s community during Rosh Hashanah is emphasized in Jewish teachings. Participating in community service projects, particularly around this time, teaches students about selfless acts of kindness and the practice of “Tzedakah,” a Hebrew word meaning “justice” or “righteousness.” Organizing a service project as a class is a great way to give back to the community while teaching students about the holiday.
In conclusion, Rosh Hashanah is a holiday that emphasizes coming together as a community and teaching our descendants the significance of their ancestors and their traditions. Through a combination of interactive activities, classroom discussions, and contributing to the community, students can learn to honor and appreciate the traditions of other cultures. This offers an opportunity to teach students about self-reflection and giving back to others in their community. By celebrating Rosh Hashanah in the classroom, both students and teachers can learn how to understand and appreciate different cultures, beliefs, and customs.
