The High Holidays are a time of reflection and looking forward. But with so many programs and services aimed at adults, what can you do to bring your kids into the New Year and Days of Awe? Here are some events around the Bay Area that celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot and more with an eye toward children.
A sweet start
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Shofar Shout Out—Prepare for Rosh Hashanah by listening to the sounds of the shofar. Attendees can also pucker up and try it themselves. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 9:30-10 a.m. Also Wednesday Sept. 17. Free.
Sunday, Sept. 14
A Sweet New Year—Rosh Hashanah celebration for families with young children featuring crafts, music and more. Co-hosted by Jewish Baby Network and Congregation Beth Am. At Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 3:30-5 p.m. $18 suggested donation.
Apples and Honey—Rosh Hashanah celebration for families with young children featuring music, crafts and more. Co-hosted by Jewish Baby Network and Jewish Gateways. At Shorebird Park playground, University Avenue at Seawall Drive, Berkeley. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.
Sunday, Sept. 21
Sweet Beginnings—JCCSF hosts a family Rosh Hashanah festival featuring arts and crafts, holiday rituals, a drum circle, bee exploration and live music with Jonathan Bayer and the Adar Brass Band. Bins for the JFCS holiday drive will be in the atrium for donations of nonperishable food and household goods. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free, $18 suggested donation.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Picnic and Tashlich—Tashlich ritual (casting away regrets) and nosh with bagels and drinks provided for adults and kids. Presented by Jewish Gateways. At Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 12:45-2:30 p.m. Free.
Sunday, Sept. 28
“¡Cantamos!”—Rosh Hashanah party for families with young children featuring Latin music and dance plus shofar blowing, apples and honey. Presented by JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. $20 per family. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
The great outdoors
Sunday, Sept. 21
Fall Harvest with Teacher Debbie—Families with preschool and elementary-age children will be able to harvest fruit from the garden of an Oshman Family JCC teacher. Los Altos Hills location provided with registration. Parental supervision required. 10-11:30 a.m. $35 per family (2 adults, 2 kids), $5 per additional child.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Rosh Hashanah in the Park—A picnic-style celebration for adults and children featuring nature activities and noshing on challah and honey. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket. Grape juice, wine provided. Hosted by Oshman Family JCC. At Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos. 4:30-7 p.m. Register in advance; limited to 80 participants. $48 per family.
Volunteer opportunities
JFCS Mitzvah Makers—Volunteer at any of these three Rosh Hashanah–inspired events to stuff holiday gift bags for families and seniors in the Bay Area. All are welcome, including families with children ages 5-10. Register online. $18-$36 suggested donation to JFCS food bank. At offices of Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Sept. 7 in Palo Alto, 200 Channing Ave., 1-2:30 p.m.; Sept. 9 in S.F., 2150 Post St., 5-7 p.m.; Sept. 14 in San Rafael, 600 Fifth Ave., 1-3:30 p.m.
Family Sukkot
Sunday, Oct. 5
Sukkot Celebration—Tri-Valley Cultural Jews invites all to an event that includes sukkah-raising, arts and crafts, a potluck and more. Livermore location provided with registration. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $15 suggested donation for non-members. To register, email [email protected] or call (925) 399-8029.
Family Cooking: Sukkot—Family-friendly class for kids and adults. Bake apple cobbler and make mint honey lemonade to celebrate the holiday. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 4-5 p.m. $40 per family.
Tot Sukkot—Celebration for families with young children ages 0-6 with sukkah decorating, story time and music. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 3:30-5 p.m. Free.
Friday, Oct. 10
Sukkot Shabbat Dinner—The Oshman Family JCC hosts a celebration for families in the sukkah. At OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5:30-7 p.m. $52 per family (two adults, two children), additional adults $22, additional children $14. Children 2 years and under free.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Sukkot & Fall Harvest Festival—This annual farmers market booth hosted by the JCCSF includes shaking the lulav, tasting local honey and seasonal produce, and creating art with foraged, locally sourced and organic materials. At Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, 1 Ferry Plaza, S.F. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Urban Adamah Sukkot Family Farm Festival—Holiday celebration for kids and families with arts and crafts, music, farm stations and light snacks. Concludes with singing and dinner in the sukkah. Co-presented with Jewish Gateways. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 2-5 p.m. $12-$36 per person, sliding scale.