We had a great class complete with the required apples and honey and even an apples and honey relay. We discussed the meaning of Rosh Hashana and some of the traditions associated with it. We shared this great, heart warming story with the 1st and 2nd graders:
(K read Sammy the Spider's Rosh Hashana)
We also learned the prayer for eating apples and honey:
Special Blessings for a Sweet New Year
Pick up a slice of apple, dip it in honey, and say:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borei p’ri ha-eitz.
We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the tree.
Then add:
Y’hi ratzon milfanecha, Adonai Eloheinu v’Elohei
avoteinu v’imoteinu, shetchadesh aleinu shanah tovah um’tukah.
May it be Your will, Eternal our God, that this be a good and sweet year for us.
Eat the apple dipped in honey.
Your family also may want to enjoy challah dipped in honey. Some families include a pomegranate as a treat before the meal. It is said that the number of seeds in the pomegranate reflects the number of good deeds that you will do in the coming year. Enjoy your holiday meal!
I thought you might enjoy this fun Rosh Hashana song. Warning, it is pretty catchy!
We have a family day in Yad b' day this Sunday Oct. 2nd. We will be reflecting together on Yom Kippur. We will meet in BK. Please plan on arriving at 8:45 am if you would like to join us for breakfast (being provided by the Lipton and Kushner families).
I wish you all a shana tova! I may see some of you at services this week.
-Suzan
