How to Make Jewish Holidays Special for Your Children

Me, at the holiday party at work.

Summary:
Creating meaningful experiences during Jewish holidays can enrich our children’s understanding of their heritage. From festive meals to family traditions, here are some heartfelt ways to celebrate. I’ve included personal anecdotes about my kids, Elliott and Hannah, and how my husband Meyer and I make each holiday special.


1. Start with Family Traditions

Every holiday brings the perfect chance to connect as a family. I remember when Elliott first learned about Hanukkah; he was so excited to light the menorah. We make it a point to gather every night to recite the blessings. I feel that these moments help my kids bond with our faith and with each other.

Tips:

  • Create a family ritual for each holiday.
  • Share stories from your own childhood.
  • Encourage your children to ask questions.

2. Get Creative with Crafts

I’ve found that hands-on activities are a fantastic way to engage my kids. For Purim, we made colorful masks together. Hannah loved painting hers with sparkles, and it was such a joy to see her creativity flourish. Not only do these crafts foster fun, but they also help my kids appreciate the meaning behind the holiday.

Craft Ideas:

  • Make your own menorah from recycled materials.
  • Create Passover Seder plates.
  • Design festive cards for Rosh Hashanah.

3. Prepare Special Meals

Food is a huge part of Jewish holidays. I remember the first time I taught Hannah to make latkes; the kitchen was a delightful mess, but we laughed so much! I feel that cooking together brings us closer and teaches my children about our culinary traditions.

Favorite Recipes:

  • Classic latkes for Hanukkah.
  • Matzo ball soup for Passover.
  • Challah bread for Shabbat.

4. Teach Them the Stories

I enjoy telling the stories behind each holiday. Meyer and I often sit with Elliott and Hannah to share tales of bravery and miracles, like the story of the Maccabees or the Exodus from Egypt. I think it’s important for them to understand the significance of our traditions.

Storytelling Tips:

  • Use engaging language and expressions.
  • Encourage questions to spark interest.
  • Relate stories to modern-day lessons.

5. Volunteer Together

As a family, we try to give back during Jewish holidays. I felt so proud when Elliott suggested we volunteer at a local shelter last Yom Kippur. It taught him the value of helping others and made our observance more meaningful.

Ways to Give Back:

  • Organize a food drive.
  • Volunteer at community centers.
  • Help out at local charities.

Conclusion

Making Jewish holidays special for our children involves creating traditions, engaging in crafts, sharing stories, preparing delicious meals, and giving back. I’ve found that each holiday is an opportunity to deepen our family bond and instill a sense of pride in our heritage. Whether it’s through laughter in the kitchen or sharing the rich tales of our past, these moments become cherished memories that Elliott and Hannah will carry with them. So, let’s celebrate together!

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How to Make Jewish Holidays Special for Your Children