Making Rosh Hashanah Fun and Meaningful

Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, marks the start of the Jewish calendar year and is rooted in Leviticus 23:23-25, where God calls His people to rest, gather and sound the shofar which is a trumpet-like ram’s horn inviting hearts to return to Him.

In the Old Testament, this was a time of reflection and offerings to the Lord. In the New Testament, Jesus begins His ministry with the same message: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Just as the shofar’s blast woke Israel spiritually, Jesus’ sacrifice awakened our hearts to daily renewal. The ram’s horn also reminds us of Abraham and Isaac, when God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who took our place (Hebrews 10:10).

Over time, traditions like Tashlich, symbolically casting sins into water, were added to Rosh Hashanah celebrations. For believers, our cleansing comes through Yeshua HaMashiach, fulfilling the themes of repentance, forgiveness and renewal.

Bringing children into the celebration can be both fun and deeply meaningful and you can include them in ways like the below!

Shofar craft: Make one from a paper towel roll and talk about its call to turn to God.

Apple & honey tasting: Let kids sample varieties as you share how sweetness symbolizes hope for the new year.

Bible story time: Read Jonah and the Ninevites or the prodigal son to show God’s heart for forgiveness.

Hear the shofar: Play a recording online, explain its spiritual meaning and let them mimic the sound.

Rosh Hashanah begins the Ten Days of Awe leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. For us as believers, these days remind us of the complete atonement Jesus already secured. It’s the perfect season to slow down, seek God’s forgiveness and help our children trust His promises.

This Rosh Hashanah, let’s dip apples in honey, sound the shofar and enter the new year with joy, gratitude and faith in the One who keeps His promises. Happy New Year! 

If you’re looking for more ways to make biblical holidays like Rosh Hashanah meaningful for your kids, our Fall Feasts Box is packed with activities, devotionals and crafts designed to help families experience the richness of God’s appointed times together. As a special bonus, it even includes a free copy of Freddy’s Fall Feasts Adventure eBook. A fun story that teaches about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.