Rosh Hashanah, the sweet and joyful Jewish New Year, is just around the corner! It’s that special time of year when families gather, the shofar blows, and we dip apples in honey for a sweet start to the year. But there’s more to this holiday than delicious treats and family gatherings. Understanding the Hebrew words associated with Rosh Hashanah can make the celebration even more meaningful for kids.
Why Hebrew, You Ask?
You might wonder, why bother teaching kids Hebrew when they can simply say the words phonetically? Well, we’re here to tell you that understanding the meaning behind these Hebrew words can make Rosh Hashanah even more special.
When kids know what they’re saying, it’s like discovering hidden treasures. It’s like peeking behind the curtain of a magic show to see how it’s done. It’s the difference between simply saying “Shana Tova” and truly understanding that it literally means “Good Year.” By learning the Hebrew behind Rosh Hashanah, kids can connect with the holiday on a deeper level.
Words You Say But Might Not Know
Now, let’s dive into a list of Hebrew words we use all the time during Rosh Hashanah without realizing their meaning:
- Rosh Hashanah: ‘Rosh’ meaning ‘head’, and ‘Shanah’ meaning ‘year’; hence ‘head of the Year’ is the Hebrew way to ‘new year’.
- Tashlich: Ever heard of the tradition of standing by a water source and saying the Tashlich prayer to get rid of what no longer serves us? That’s tashlich, where we cast away our sins and start fresh. ‘Tashlich’ literally means ‘to cast away’, we are asking God to cast away our misbehaviours performed throughout the year.
- Teshuvah: This one’s all about repentance and self-improvement, an essential part of Rosh Hashanah. ‘Teshuva’ means ‘returning’, the Hebrew version of repentance.
- Machzor: It’s not just a fancy word for the prayer book or Siddur. It’s the guidebook to Rosh Hashanah prayers and rituals. ‘Machzor’ means ‘cycle’, symbolizing the year cycle and the prayers we come back to every yea
Let’s Sing It Out!
Music always adds a dash of excitement to learning. Teach your kids Hebrew Rosh Hashanah songs to get them in the holiday spirit. Some favorites include “Shanah Tovah” by Levin Kipnis, and “BeRosh HaShanah” by Naomi Shemer. Singing these songs in Hebrew will not only entertain your little ones but also familiarize them with the language of the holiday.
Rosh HaShanah Crossword Puzzle
Here’s a creative way to engage your kids in learning Hebrew: a Rosh Hashanah-themed crossword puzzle. It’s not just about finding the words; it’s also an opportunity to teach your kids to write in Hebrew script. A bit of playful learning goes a long way!
Rosh Hashanah True or False Hebrew Game
To make learning Hebrew and Rosh Hashanah even more enjoyable, we’ve prepared an exciting True or False Hebrew game that’s perfect for kids and families. This interactive game will challenge your knowledge of Rosh Hashanah traditions and Hebrew words associated with the holiday.
Incorporating Hebrew into your Rosh Hashanah celebrations can turn the holiday into a rich and engaging experience for your kids. So, this year, go beyond the apples and honey. Dive into the world of Hebrew words, songs, and puzzles to make Rosh Hashanah truly special and memorable. Shanah Tovah!
