Hebrew words for Rosh Hashanah

A list of typical terms for the Jewish New Year

Shalom dear parents,

Here we'd like to introduce you to another exciting way to introduce your toddlers to the topic of Rosh Hashanah (ראש השנה). We've put together a beautiful set of 20 words that will make learning and memorizing new words fun.

The Torah calls us to pass on knowledge to our children and to teach them. Therefore, it's important that we as parents support our little ones and explain the meaning of Rosh Hashanah to them. Our card set allows you to do just that!

Each card features a different term related to the Jewish New Year. From traditional foods like apple and honey (Tapuach Bid'vash) to symbolic objects like the shofar (Rimon) or the pomegranate (Rimon), there are many exciting terms to discover.

Take time to go through the terms together and explain what they mean to your little ones. Encourage them to ask questions and indulge their curiosity. This interactive method helps children learn through play and retain information more easily.

To make things even more exciting, you can also play little games with the cards. For example, you could turn them into a memory game where the children have to find pairs of words. Or you could lay out the cards in order and have the children tell you what Rosh Hashanah means.

The New Year in Hebrew

Selichot : These are special prayers of repentance recited during the period before Rosh Hashanah. They help us reflect on the past year and ask for forgiveness. Selichot prepare us spiritually for the new year.

Tekia : This is the first of three blasts blown on the shofar. It is a long, clear blast that commands attention and awakens us. Tekia symbolizes the call to repentance and renewal.

Shvarim : The second blast of the shofar consists of three short, broken notes. Shvarim is reminiscent of a sigh or groan and represents repentance for past mistakes. It is a moving sound that inspires self-reflection.

Tru'a : This is the third sound of the shofar, a sequence of at least nine short, staccato notes. The tru'a symbolizes alarm and urgency. It awakens us and reminds us that it's time to improve our lives.

Tashlich : A beautiful Rosh Hashanah custom in which people go to a flowing body of water. Symbolically, they throw their sins into the water in the form of breadcrumbs. Tashlich helps us let go of the old year and begin anew.

Dvash : Hebrew for honey. On Rosh Hashanah, we dip apple pieces in honey to wish for a sweet new year. Dvash symbolizes the hope for a year full of joy and sweetness.

Tapuach : Hebrew for apple. The round apple symbolizes the annual cycle. Eaten with honey, it represents a sweet new beginning and the hope for a good year.

Rimon : Hebrew for pomegranate. This fruit is said to contain 613 seeds—corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah. The rimon symbolizes abundance and good deeds for the coming year.

Shofar : A ritual wind instrument, usually made from a ram's horn. Blowing the shofar is one of the most important commandments on Rosh Hashanah. Its sound is meant to awaken us and call us to repentance (teshuva).

Sefer Ha'Chaim : The "Book of Life," in which, according to tradition, the names of the righteous are recorded on Rosh Hashanah. It reminds us to reflect on our behavior and strive to act better in the coming year.

Simcha : means "joy" in Hebrew. Although Rosh Hashanah is a solemn day of reflection, we also celebrate the beginning of the new year with joy. Simcha reminds us to look to the future with gratitude and optimism.

Chag : Hebrew for "holiday." Rosh Hashanah is a very important festival in the Jewish calendar. It is a time of celebration, but also of reflection and new beginnings.

Jareach : means "moon" in Hebrew. The Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar, and Rosh Hashanah always falls on the new moon of the month of Tishri. Jareach reminds us of the cycle of time and renewal.

Boker : Hebrew word for "morning." On Rosh Hashanah, we symbolically welcome the dawn of the new year. Boker represents hope, new beginnings, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Erev : means "evening" in Hebrew and often refers to the eve of a holiday. Erev Rosh Hashanah is a special time of preparation for the upcoming festival. It is a time of anticipation and final preparations.

Seder Simanim : This refers to the sequence of symbolic foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah. Each food has a special meaning and is consumed with a blessing. The Seder Simanim helps us visualize our hopes for the new year.

Dag : Hebrew for fish. Fish is often eaten on Rosh Hashanah because it symbolizes fertility. Furthermore, the fish's eyes remind us that the Lord watches over us.

Tov : means "good" in Hebrew. On Rosh Hashanah, we wish each other "Shana Tova"—a good year. Tov reminds us to seek and appreciate the good in our lives.

Words about Rosh Hashanah | 20 cards

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