Rosh Hashanah Family Journey

By Rabbi Ariel Platt, Director of J Life

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year is all about new beginnings. Getting a clean slate for the year to come. A chance to try again,the opportunity to grow into our best selves. This however doesn’t just happen with the snap of a finger; we have to put a little bit of work into it. Take the time to reflect. Right, some of the wrongs, and think of ways to fix mistakes we made. The great Spanish Medieval commentator, Maimonides came up with 4 steps of repentance to help guide us through this process into the new year. Using his steps as inspiration, here are some fun and meaningful ways your family can prepare for the new year together with a combination of wisdom and play. You can focus on each of your individual experiences or your experiences as a family.

Step 1) Naming Mistakes – Start with play as an introduction to the deeper conversation. It is a fun way to engage your family in conversation. For example, you can play a game like spot the difference as a catalyst for a conversation about naming your mistakes. As your family notices the differences in the pictures, have each family member name a mistake they made during the year. Note spotting the difference is like naming mistakes you may have made throughout the year. Core question to ask: What mistakes did I make this year?

Step 2) Consequences – To get your family ready to talk about the consequences to your actions you can play a game like Operation. When you touch the side, it makes a horrible buzzing sound. That buzzing sound is like the consequences of your actions. Another option with younger children is to make something out of playdough, then cause it to change or get messed up in some way. Core question to ask: What were the consequences of my mistakes? 

Step 3) Lessons – Print out mazes your family can do. You can even turn it into a race and see how long it takes everyone to get out of the maze. The maze here represents the path you can take after your mistake. Think about the steps you took and can take to get to the other side. Another option is to create an obstacle course inside or outside your home that each family member needs to get through. Core question to ask: How do we learn from our mistakes?

Step 4) No Repeats – Play a game where you can get a ball in the goal. Each time someone makes a goal, that person can make a goal for the new year. These goals should be related to the mistakes you spoke about as a family. For little ones you can have them pop bubbles, instead of making a goal with a ball. Core question to ask: How do I make sure I don’t make the mistake again?

One of the greatest ways to connect and learn is through play. Whether you play these games, or different games that speak to your family more, may they inspire you on your Rosh Hashanah journey.

Shana Tova U’Metukah Have a happy and sweet new year!

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