by Ramona Taylor

Created on: August 15, 2010   Last Updated: September 04, 2010

On the eve of the tenth day of Tishrei, Yom Kippur begins.  Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the solemnest and most holy Jewish holiday, and is a special time of fasting and prayer.  While most small children will be too young to participate in some of customs of the holiday, it is still a wonderful time for parents to share activities that teach and celebrate the significance of the holiday. One of the best ways to share the importance of Yom Kippur is by taking part in crafts inspired by the holiday.

Yom Kippur Machzor

On Yom Kippur, Jews pray to G-d for repentance and also seek forgiveness for any wrongs done against another person.  From the Kol Nidre to the Neilah, most of the holiday is spent in prayer.  And, a machzor prayer book is used for the High Holy Day synagogue services. As a special project, children can create their own machzor.

In making their personal machzor, children will need paper, markers, pencils, and a variety of other items.  Depending on your child’s interests or art level, you can make the project simple or elaborate.  The first step is to craft a book using white paper and construction paper.  Binding can be either staples or yarn braids.  Once the book is made, your child can decorate the cover with the words “Yom Kippur Machzor.” Markers and glitters will add a nice touch.

Within the pages of their new prayer book, your child can draw pictures of good deeds, Yom Kippur symbols, and things they remember about the Yom Kippur prayers.

The Shofar

Sound the shofar!  The shofar is a unique musical instrument which has a significant place in Jewish ceremonies and history.  The shofar also serves as a symbol of the Jewish people and their covenant with G-d. And at the end of Yom Kippur, the sound of the shofar marks the end of the holiday’s fast.  For young children, making a shofar can be fun and easy.

While most craft and discount stores won’t have a ram’s horn handy, there are many other ways to make your crafty wind instrument.  For younger children, opt for the paper tube method. For older children, you may want to try the paper mache method.  For the small children, simply shape your tube into a cone. Secure the cone with tape or glue and then decorate. For more advanced children, take a wavy balloon and cover with paper mache. Once the paper mache dries, pop the balloon with a pin and remove

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