Most people who aren't Jewish usually don't know what Rosh Hashanah is all about: we tend to think that Hanukkah is the big Jewish holiday, and forget about the others. But Rosh Hashanah -- New Year's Day for people, animals, and legal contracts -- is extremely important in the Jewish faith, as it begins the ten-day period before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 12th.
The traditional symbols associated with Rosh Hashanah are a shofar (a ram's horn, blown to "awaken" people, both in literal and figurative senses) and apples and honey (which represent hopes for a sweet new year). Round challah bread with raisins is also popular.
The great UK blog Crafty Crafty has put together a nice post with a list of links to Rosh Hashanah-themed crafts for kids. There's a little paper shofar made out of a birthday horn, instructions showing how to make apple prints for cards, and links to several different sets of coloring pages, among other things. It's all a fun way for kids to celebrate, or maybe for kids who aren't Jewish to learn a little about the culture of some of their friends.
Shana tova!
No features currently available.
More Hot Topics The Daily Fix • DIY Warrior • Home Ec • Handmade
DIY Disaster Doctor • In the Workshop • Product Picks
Our resident expert Eric Stromer shows you how.
Our expert Eric Stromer shows us the simplified way to prune trees.
Judi Roaman: We Talk Endlessly About the Next President,…
Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
How do you stencil the symbols into the apple like that? Tape something over the apple while it grows? I'm not Jewish but I'd love to know how to do that.
ReplyHi, Bill! I have no idea how to do the apple stencils, personally, but maybe I can find out. If you click the photo of the apple, it'll take you to the Flickr page for the pic, and there's a little more information in the comments there. It does seem like it's some kind of stencil put on the apple in the growing process, but I don't know more than that. Totally awesome, though.
Reply