Saying goodbye to mistakes

Throwing our mistakes away on Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah gives parents the opportunity to talk to our children about mistakes, and say, "I'm sorry." No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, but with each New Year, we can try to do better.

Tashlich is a ritual during Rosh Hashanah where you symbolically throw away your mistakes into a moving body of water. It's easy to experience Tashlich with your family. For this activity, you'll need to go on an outing to a lake, stream or even the ocean, and you’ll need a bag of breadcrums or small crackers.

Once you get to your flowing body of water, sit together in a comfy spot, and talk about mistakes you might have made during the year. Remind your children, that parents make mistakes too! If during the past year, you hurt each other's feelings, or did something you regret, talk about it. Be sure to tell each other you're sorry, and give a hug.

Now, that you’ve talked, it’s time to say goodbye to your mistakes! For each mistake, take a breadcrumb, throw it into the water, and watch it float away!

Now, your family is ready to celebrate the Jewish New Year with a fresh start and new beginning. Having the opportunity to begin again, is truly what makes this holiday so special.

Discover more family outings and activities for Rosh Hashanah like a visit to a honeybee farm, a special apple and honey picnic breakfast, Birthday of the World nature walk, and how butterflies can help children learn about Rosh Hashanah! Let us know how you’re celebrating in the comments below!

Shana tova! Happy New Year!

~Jennifer