I grew up in a school district with many Jewish teachers and students, so Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were both public school holidays. But that didn’t mean I had a clear idea of the significance of these holidays. So, what is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. The High Holy Days last for 10 days until Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. To learn about both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, my kids and I read the following books.
Apples and Pomegranates: A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah
This was our daily read, with 8 stories and explanations for each item on the seder plate.
The Secret Shofar of Barcelona
Taking place in Spain in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition, will the Jewish people manage to secretly celebrate while under such intense scrutiny?
A Moon for Moe and Mo
A Jewish boy and a Muslim boy each celebrate their new years of Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan (which coincide roughly every 30 years).
Big Sam: A Rosh Hashanah Tall Tale
We’re in the middle of American Tall Tales and this is a fun one!
Two New Years
A biracial child gets to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in the fall and Lunar New Year in the spring.
Sound the Shofar!
This story covers both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement that occurs 10 days later.