3 Rosh Hashanah Crafts for Kids

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the first of the High Holidays, ending with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It's a holiday rich with traditions, such as the sounding of the shofar and eating special foods including round challah and sweet foods, like honey and apples, for a sweet New Year. It's also a time to reflect on the previous year and look forward to a prosperous new one. Here are a few Rosh Hashanah crafts that the whole family can enjoy together:

1. Apple Prints

Since apples are an important symbol of Rosh Hashanah, this craft uses them to make beautiful card stock prints that can be used for greeting cards, place holders or just to hand up and admire.

You'll need a few pieces of cardstock, some fresh apples and red or green paint.

Pour a small amount of paint into a paper plate. Cut each apple in half. Then let the little ones press down the half of an apple into the paint (cut side down) and use as a stamp to decorate each piece of cardstock.

2. Stained Glass Fish

Another symbol of Rosh Hashanah is the fish. For this craft, gather up construction paper, wax paper, glue and tissue paper in an array of colors. First, cut out the construction paper into the shape of a fish with a large oval body and triangle-shaped tail. Then, cut out the center of the fish, leaving about an inch of construction paper to form the outline of the fish. Cut two pieces of wax paper about the size of the fish. Take one piece of wax paper and cover one side with glue. Glue down pieces of tissue paper all over the wax paper until it looks like stained glass. Then, take the other piece of wax paper and spread glue over one side. Glue that on top of your tissue paper-covered piece of wax paper so it seals the tissue paper in the middle. Then, glue on your construction paper fish outline on top. Carefully trim off the excess wax paper and you're done!

3. DIY Shofar

During Rosh Hashanah a Shofar, traditionally made from a ram's horn, is blown. For this craft, you'll need a paper towel roll, tape, paint, a hole punch and some yarn. First, cut the paper towel roll from top to bottom lengthwise. Wrap the tube into a cone shape and tape in place. Let your child paint the outside of the cone anyway he desires and allow to dry. Then punch a hole in the top and bottom of the shofar and attach a piece of yarn for easy carrying.

These Rosh Hashanah crafts are fun for the whole family to create to celebrate the holiday and remember its rich symbolism and meaning.

 Rebecca Desfosse is a freelance writer specializing in parenting and family  topics.  Check  out more of her work at rebeccadesfosse.com.