Celebrating the Jewish High Holidays at ECLC

At the Early Childhood Learning Center’s (ECLC) Fairfax location, the fall Jewish High Holidays—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah—have infused our classrooms and outdoor spaces with joy, exploration, and learning. Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our educators have designed engaging activities that enable children to connect deeply with these significant traditions.

One particularly memorable experience featured a visit from Ms. Zina, the Senior Director of Community Impact & Engagement at the Pozez JCC. During her visit, she introduced the children to the captivating sounds of the shofar, allowing them to touch and even blow two beautiful shofars. This interactive session helped the children understand the shofar’s importance in heralding the new year, thereby enhancing the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

Additionally, we explored the customs of Rosh Hashanah through various sensory activities involving apples. The children were presented with a diverse assortment of apples—red, green, large, and small—and encouraged to observe and interact with them. One child remarked, “It smells like honey!” illustrating the joy of shared experiences and the lasting impressions these rituals create. To further enrich their understanding, educators read books about Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing the symbolism of apples and honey.

Food played a prominent role throughout the holidays, with numerous cooking projects that filled our halls with delightful aromas. The children participated in making round challah, honey cake, fruit salad, vegetable soup, apple sauce, and even apple ice cream.

In another enriching activity, Miss Sarah guided the children to the atelier, where they created watercolor paintings reflecting their interpretations of the apples and shofar. As we prepared for Simchat Torah, she introduced a small Torah to several classrooms in the atelier space. The children were captivated as they examined the Hebrew letters under a microscope, uncovering the intricate details of the text. This hands-on exploration not only sparked their curiosity but also allowed them to express their creativity by crafting their own story scrolls.

All our classrooms enjoyed the beautiful weather as we spent time in the sukkah, where we shook the lulav, smelled the etrog, and shared meals together.

The introduction to these holiday traditions has not only enriched our children’s understanding of the High Holidays but has also fostered a sense of belonging and community. At ECLC, we cherish these moments of celebration and learning, nurturing a love for our traditions that will last a lifetime.