Young members prepare for Rosh Hashanah at Temple Emanu-El

As a turnout of about 20 families arrived for Sweet New Year Tot Shabbat on Sept. 14, Rabbi Michael Shefrin called the gathering at Temple Emanu-El a promising start to the New Year.

During the session of the monthly Tot Shabbat event, kids and their families explored the meaning and traditions of Rosh Hashanah. 

The holiday, which will fall on Oct. 2-4, marks the start of the New Year, in this case the year 5785, in the Hebrew calendar.

"Rosh Hashanah literally means the head of the year," Shefrin said. "It's the celebration of the beginning of the year, one of the many calendar beginnings for the Jewish people. In particular, it celebrates the birthday of the world, the beginning of time since creation."

Attendees started out on the playground; participated in songs, prayers, a lesson and the blowing of the shofar by Shefrin and his mother Rabbi Mimi Weisel in the sanctuary; then the families enjoyed crafts, snacks and the chance to celebrate together. 

"Generally, it is a time of sweetness, of new beginnings, on our calendar," Shefrin said. "It's a part of the holiest season that we have, a time of reflection and introspection to try to fix what we did wrong in the year before, to set goals of what we hope to accomplish in the year to come."

He said the event was an opportunity for kids to understand their Jewish identity, as well as the joy of the holiday. 

"We call this our Shofar Blowout, to really be reminded that in a world that can be dark, and a society that has troubles, that there's also joy to be had, to be called upon and called for."