Discover a Jewish tradition
🍎 Rosh Hashanah for kids
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. Families pause to think about the year that has passed and the kind of year they hope to build. The shofar, a horn traditionally made from a ram horn, is an important sound of the holiday.
Apples dipped in honey express a wish for a sweet year. Different communities bring other symbolic foods to the table as well. Invite each child to name one kind action they would like to practice in the coming year.
Use the apple, honey and shofar pictures to start a conversation before the meal. A handmade greeting can carry a simple wish for someone you love. The holiday lasts two days in Israel and abroad.
Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
Begins: Fri, September 11, 2026 at sunset
Ends: Sun, September 13, 2026 at nightfall
2027
Begins: Fri, October 1, 2027 at sunset
Ends: Sun, October 3, 2027 at nightfall
Dates begin on the preceding evening. Candle lighting is before sunset when welcoming Shabbat; exact local times require a location. These dates are not candle-lighting times.
Calendar reference: Hebcal holiday calendar. Dates are calculated with the site's Hebrew calendar conversion.
A blessing to learn together
Welcoming this season
Said at the arrival of the festival; follow your family or community practice.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Transliteration
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigianu lazman hazeh.
Meaning in English
Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.
Traditional Hebrew wording reused from the site's blessing collection; English translation written for this page. This is a learning excerpt, not a complete service. The Hebrew spelling ה׳ stands for the divine name; follow your teacher's practice when learning aloud.
Rosh Hashanah coloring pages
Match the holiday words
Learn four words in English and Hebrew. Point to each pair together before trying the mixed-up version. The second printed page is an answer key.
apple — תפוח
honey — דבש
shofar — שופר
year — שנה
Frequently asked questions
What does shanah tovah mean?
It means a good year and is a common greeting around Rosh Hashanah.
Can I print the Rosh Hashanah activities?
Yes. The word match includes a separate answer page, and each coloring drawing has its own print or PDF button. Prepare materials in advance if your family avoids writing or printing on the holiday.
Why do some dates differ between Israel and abroad?
Some festivals have an additional day in many communities outside Israel. Use the calendar selector and follow your local community calendar.
Explore more: All Jewish holidays, and Learn Hebrew letters.