Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

The pupils gathered in the hall, greeted by Mr Wilson and Mrs Hogarth. The assembly began with Mr Wilson presenting certificates to pupils who had earned enough house points to receive an award, recognising their contribution to their houses. Everyone applauded their hard work, which was a wonderful way to begin the week by celebrating each other’s success.

Mrs Hogarth then welcomed the school and asked if anyone knew of a special celebration taking place that day. We learned it was the Jewish New Year, which follows the Hebrew calendar. She explained that Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” and is a time for prayer, reflection, and new beginnings. It commemorates the creation of the world and serves as a day of judgement, when God considers humanity’s deeds for the year ahead.

We were excited to see a shofar (ram’s horn), who’s loud sound signals the New Year and calls for reflection. Golda and Max in Year 4 endeavored to sound the shofar, which was very difficult! They also shared with us that their families come together to share this special festive meal.

Mrs Hogarth also explained the symbolic foods eaten at Rosh Hashanah: apples dipped in honey for a sweet year, pomegranates to represent abundant merits (with their 613 seeds symbolising the commandments in Jewish law), a fish head for leadership, and challah bread shaped in a circle to symbolise the cycle of life. Other foods (symbolic foods) eaten include dates for an end to adversaries, leeks to diminish enemies, and carrots for increased merits.  

The assembly ended with Mrs Hogarth teaching the traditional greeting “Shanah Tovah” (שנה טובה), meaning “Good year” in Hebrew, and inviting pupils to taste apple and honey as a wish for a sweet year ahead.

During the assembly Mr Wilson also gave out certificates for House Point Achievements to a number of Junior pupils.