Rosh Ha'Shana - The Jewish New Year and Sweet Beginnings!

Shalom everyone, and Shana Tova, Happy New Year!

We have been very busy getting to know each other, and learning about Rosh Ha'Shana, the Jewish New Year.

We learned about Rosh Ha'Shana traditions like the blowing of the shofar. We also did a Rosh Ha'Shana listening exercise. We listened to a tape of a shofar sound and other sounds. I asked the children to identify which sounds were from a shofar and which were not. We had so much fun and many laughs, and we learned a lot too.

There are also special Rosh Ha'shana greetings. We learned to say shana tova (Happy New Year), and shana mituka (wishes for a sweet New Year) to each other. We also learned songs related to the New Year. And with the songs came seasonal dances that we learned.

On Wednesday our class joined Toni's 4 year old class and with the generosity of our wonderful PTO were able to taste apples and honey, pomegranate, and a traditional round chala.  Dr. Finell joined us and he blew the shofar.

We also worked hard making New Year gifts for our families. They will be coming home on Monday.

In addition to Rosh Ha'Shana, we will learn about Yom Kippur as part of our High Holidays lesson. I will teach the class the concept of slicha, asking for forgiveness.  We will also discuss good deeds - mitzvot - which will be a large part of our next unit after the High Holidays.

Have a very happy, sweet, and healthy New Year. Shana Tova u'mituka to all.

As always, please contact me with any questions. My email is etscheier@rockwernacademy.org, and my phone number is 513-984-3770, ext. 4217.