Once in a while, we come across a guest Expert who has something impactful to contribute to the Savvy Auntie Community. The folks behind Jewish Treats, a popular daily email and blog, offered us some wonderful Jewish New Year traditions to share with our nieces and nephews.


Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is the beginning of the autumn holiday season on the Jewish calendar and a great opportunity for family togetherness.

For Savvy Aunties, Rosh Hashana is the perfect time to find fun and exciting ways to make the holiday both memorable and enjoyable to your nieces and nephews! Here are just a few suggestions:

Sticky Fun: Get everyone geared up for a sweet new year by making honey-dishes. Each niece or nephew (and Savvy Auntie, of course) can make her or his own.

Mock Court: Help your nieces and nephews conceptualize the Day of Judgment by creating a "mock court." Put one of their dolls or an imaginary person (so that no one feels bad) on trial and have your nieces, nephews and yourself act as judge, prosecutor and defender.

Little Scholars: Since this year's holidays are at the beginning of September, they coincide nicely with the excitement of a new school year. For older nieces and nephews, help them prepare a "presentation" about Rosh Hashana to share during the festive meal. For younger children, bring along a few fun Rosh Hashana books to share with them.

Say A Little Prayer With Me: Rosh Hashana is a day of prayer, but prayer can be an overwhelming concept to a child. Help your niece or nephew express their prayers for the upcoming year.

Rosh Hashana is a special day on the Jewish calendar. Jews have a unique cycle of time that they mark throughout the year and that allows them to celebrate their nationhood. This is the great gift that every Savvy Auntie can share with her Jewish nieces and nephews.

Published: September 2, 2010