Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: With Honey, Prayers, and the Shofar
#5 of 15 in Finding out about holidays Series
on Goodreads (46)
What’s inside...
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur examines how these Jewish High Holy Days are celebrated worldwide. Rosh Hashanah, known as the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection and resolution. On Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement, Jews fast, pray, and ask God's forgiveness for their sins. Deborah Heiligman's lively first-person text introduces readers to the sounding of the shofar, the holidays' greeting cards, prayers, and special foods. Rabbi Shira Stern's informative note puts the High Holy Days into wider historical and cultural context for parents and teachers. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
Discussion points
What traditions did you learn about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur from this book?
How do you think celebrating these holidays helps families feel closer to each other?
Can you think of any symbols from the book that were important for these holidays? What do they represent?
If you could participate in a Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur celebration, what would you be most excited to see or do?
How do you think the practices described in the book teach us about forgiveness and new beginnings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their own traditions with those presented in the book, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Discuss the significance of the shofar and honey in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, guiding the child to understand their symbolic meanings.
While reading, take pauses to reflect on the story's themes of renewal and forgiveness, asking your child how they might apply these concepts in their own life.
Use the illustrations in the book as conversation starters, pointing out details and asking your child what they notice and why it might be important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural diversity
Explanation: The book introduces children to the customs and significance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, providing insights into Jewish traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultural practices they encounter in their communities or schools.
Example Lesson: Importance of reflection and forgiveness
Explanation: These holidays emphasize reflection on one's actions and seeking forgiveness, themes that are explored through the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles by learning to acknowledge their mistakes and making amends with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Value of family and community gatherings
Explanation: The book depicts families coming together to celebrate these holidays, highlighting communal bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cherish and participate in family and community events, understanding their importance in fostering relationships.
Example Lesson: Significance of traditions and rituals
Explanation: Through the rituals of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, such as the blowing of the shofar and fasting, children learn about the importance of religious and cultural rituals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to explore and respect their own family traditions and understand their role in cultural identity.