Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Friday 1 October 2027 to Monday 11 October 2027. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday 1 October 2027; Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday 10 October 2027.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time to celebrate the world's creation and think about the year ahead. Ten days later comes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when Jewish people say sorry, forgive and try to begin again. Together they are called the High Holy Days.
Who celebrates Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and books for each
Jewish
On Rosh Hashanah families hear the shofar (a ram's horn) in synagogue, eat apples dipped in honey for a sweet year and round challah bread. On Yom Kippur adults fast and pray; children often think about who they want to say sorry to.
📖 Free guideEngineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride
Deborah Bodin Cohen
a train driver learns to say sorry before the new year
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guideSammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah
Sylvia A. Rouss
a curious spider watches a family prepare, for the youngest
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
Ways to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with children
- Dip apple slices in honey and each say one wish for a sweet year.
- Make a 'sorry and thank you' card for someone in the family.
- Listen to a recording of the shofar and try to copy its three sounds.
- Bake or buy a round challah and talk about the year going round.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur picture books at a glance
All the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur books on this page: Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride (Deborah Bodin Cohen), Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah (Sylvia A. Rouss).
Questions parents ask about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Why apples and honey at Rosh Hashanah?
They stand for a sweet new year. Many families say 'Shanah tovah u'metukah', meaning 'a good and sweet year'.
Do children fast on Yom Kippur?
No. Fasting is for adults; young children are not expected to fast, though some older children skip a snack to take part.
Related festivals: Sukkot · Hanukkah · Passover
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.