Aim

To reflect upon the start of the new school year with reference to the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

Lesson

Begin by asking children about their hopes for the new academic year. Encourage them to set targets.

Inform them that September also marks the start of another year for Jewish people. On September Jewish people throughout the world celebrate the festival of Rosh Hashanah.

Use a video, posters, or text to describe the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could.

• devise their own celebration for the birthday of the human race.
• devise a set of questions about Rosh Hashanah to ask a Jewish visitor to the class.
• design a birthday card for the Earth / Human race.
• eat pieces of apple dipped in honey.

Conclusion

Conclude by informing children of your hopes for them as a class.