How Do You Measure a Year?
It’s the start of a new year — both a new school year and a Jewish new year! We hope the transition from summer fun to fall routines has been smooth for you.
We typically spend the month of August preparing both mentally and physically for a new school year by adjusting bedtimes, finishing required reading, purchasing school supplies, and awaiting class lists. The Hebrew month of Elul (which started last Friday), provides the same opportunity for us to reflect and prepare for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
Reflecting on the previous year can include accounting for growth and setting intentions for the coming year. You can do this as a family by having a conversation and keeping a journal with notes for each family member about literal growth (such as each child’s height) to figurative growth (new skills learned or new things tried by each family member), and create a curated record your family can look back on each year. The new PJ Library book, Measuring a Year: A Rosh Hashanah Story — sent to all five-year olds in August — is great for kickstarting the discussion. Get more tips on engaging with Elul as a family from MyJewishLearning.com.
Rosh Hashanah starts on Sunday, September 25th at sundown. For more inspiration to get ready for all the fall Jewish holidays, read on for programs and resources!
Warmly,
Sarah
Additional Resources
- PJ Library’s Guide to the Fall Holidays
- Measuring a Year: A Rosh Hashanah Story by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Zara Gonzàlez Hoang (PJ Library)
- Understanding the Jewish Calendar (Here’s the Story blog post)