Sweet New Beginnings
by Priscilla Restagno, Curriculum & Family Engagement Specialist
Rosh Hashanah (9/12/26) is the birthday of the universe, or the Jewish New Year. One of the High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah means "Head of the New Year.” The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar, meant to “wake” us and help us reflect on our actions. The shofar blowing contains a series of three types of blasts: tekiah, a long sob-like blast; shevarim, a series of three short wails; and teruah, at least nine piercing staccato bursts. Eating round challah (braided egg bread) and apples dipped in honey help us wish each other a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah typically falls at the beginning of the school year, and the children at TCEE take this time to explore different sounds and, in older classes, reflect on how much they’ve grown. Many children will do apple taste tests, tasting different apples and graphing to discover which were the classroom favorites, and then dipping their favorite slices in honey. It is a joyous start to the school year as we look forward to sweet, new beginnings.
Yom Kippur (9/21/26) is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year. It means “Day of Atonement,” and, like Shabbat, no work is done. While seemingly a solemn day, children at TCEE spend their time reflecting on feelings by considering what makes them happy or sad. They might consider different ways they can help each other or themselves feel happy, and they go into the chapel or sanctuary to consider how those spaces can evoke feelings, too. Like Rosh Hashanah, it is a time to reflect and look forward to new beginnings.
As we consider new beginnings, we would like to introduce The Gathering Place at Temple Ohabei Shalom! Wherever you find yourself on your journey in family life, let us be your home away from home at Temple Ohabei Shalom! The Gathering Place at TOS is an inclusive community for young families -- all are welcome to connect with one another through our fun and supportive programming. Throughout the year we offer a variety of engaging activities, events, and opportunities for connection geared towards every member of your family -- for children and adults alike, from babies to grandparents. To begin our fall events, join The Gathering Place at TOS for Apple Picking at Lookout Farm in Natick on Sunday, October 4th!