When we begin Yom Kippur, our focus is on different ways we’ve messed up in the past year. As the day goes on, the focus shifts – and we imagine ourselves growing into a better person. We imagine the world as a better place, with each of us playing an important role.
Here are some activities that challenge us to be our best selves – to be kind to our family, to encourage others and ourselves, and to set goals for the new year.
Discuss the Story of Jonah
Jonah finds himself inside the belly of a whale because he is running away from challenges. Read, or listen, to the story of Jonah and think about the opportunities he had throughout the story to meet those challenges head-on.
Encouragement Stones
Everyone can shine in the new year – with a little encouragement. Show family and friends that you’re supporting them, and maybe offer yourself some encouragement, too. Collect some stones and use acrylic paints and markers to write words of encouragement. Gift or place them around the neighborhood to share your kind words.
Kindness Wheel
Yom Kippur is a great time to think about ways to show kindness to the people we care about. Here’s a craft to help encourage the process:
Sticky Note Wall
No one likes chores, but everyone likes gift certificates. So create a sticky-note wall for your family, and help each other out with sticky-note “gift certificates.”
Talk it Over
Family discussion The Ten Days (including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) are a good time for having thoughtful one-on-one conversations or a sit-down talk as a whole family. You can use these prompts to guide you:
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