Week-Long High Holidays Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

High Holidays: Reflection, Renewal, and Responsibility

This unit is appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  It is designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Visit the Subscribers Page for a printable PDF version.

For extra enrichment, study Jewish Holidays in Literature in depth.  To tailor for additional middle or elementary school family members, start with the Rosh Hashanah post.

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DAY 1: Introduction to the High Holidays – Themes & History

Topics & Activities:

• Overview of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

  • Names, symbols, prayers, customs

  • Timeline and position in Jewish calendar

• Journaling:
• Reflective writing prompt: “What does it mean to return to your best self?”

• Art Extension:

  • Create a visual representation of “the Book of Life” — what would you want written in yours?

• Hebrew Component:

  • Vocabulary: shofar, teshuvah, cheshbon hanefesh, machzor

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DAY 2: Rosh Hashanah – Renewal & Responsibility

Topics & Activities:

• Torah Study/Literature:

  • Read and discuss: Akedat Yitzhak (Binding of Isaac, Genesis 22)

  • Literary interpretation: Why is this read on Rosh Hashanah?

• Science/Nature Study:

  • Explore seasonal change — why is Rosh Hashanah in the fall?

• Hands-On Project:

  • Prepare a traditional dish: round challah, apple compote, or pomegranate salad

  • Make honey jars or Rosh Hashanah greeting cards

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DAY 3: Teshuvah – The Practice of Returning

Topics & Activities:

• Ethics/Philosophy:

  • Study Maimonides’ 4 steps of teshuvah

  • Discussion: How do we take responsibility in a meaningful way?

• Journaling Prompt:

  • Write a letter of apology — real or hypothetical — and reflect on the experience

• Art/Creative Expression:

  • Design a “Teshuvah Tree” with leaves that show areas of growth/change

• Nature Study:

  • Practice Tashlich (symbolic casting off of sins in water) at a local pond or stream

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DAY 4: Yom Kippur – Reflection, Fasting, and Forgiveness

Topics & Activities:

• Prayer and Liturgy Study:

  • Study the Vidui (confession) and Kol Nidre

  • Explore the emotional and poetic power of liturgy

• Creative Writing Prompt:

  • “What would you do differently if you were granted a fresh start?”

• Science/Health (Optional):

  • Learn about fasting: its physical effects and spiritual meaning

  • Compare fasting in Judaism to other traditions (Islam, Buddhism)

• Quiet Time Activity:

  • Create a “forgiveness box” — a private journal or symbolic place to release guilt or burdens

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DAY 5: Moving Forward – Sukkot and Joy in the Cycle

Topics & Activities:

• Transition into Sukkot:

  • Build a model or full sukkah

  • Study symbolism of the lulav and etrog

  • Explore Sukkot as ecological and agricultural holiday

• Nature Study:

  • Go outside and notice signs of fall; sketch or document seasonal changes

• Civics/Service Connection:

  • Discuss how the High Holiday season might inspire action (volunteering, climate justice, charity)

• Final Reflection Prompt:

  • “What do I want to carry forward from this season into the rest of the year?”

• Creative Celebration:

  • Share a poem, song, or art piece that symbolizes renewal or gratitude