created at: 2013-08-27For young children, holidays – especially time in the synagogue – can seem long and confusing. Here are some  highlights of Gateways resources that are available for educators and parents to help prepare children for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur:

Blessing For Apples and Other Fruits – Blessing for apples and other fruit in Hebrew transliteration and simplified English translation with visual representations.

How People Behave in Temple – This story briefly explains that people in temple need to stay in their seats and have quiet voices. Clearly outlining the behavior that is expected in temple is helpful to young childrenand children with disabilities. In addition to reviewing this story before going to temple, parents may bring it to temple if their children would benefit from reminders of what proper temple behavior looks like.

Things I Can Do During a Long Service – Sitting through High Holiday services can be a challenge for anyone! This story suggests some appropriate activities to keep children from becoming bored during a long service. Fill-in-the-blanks encourage parents and children to talk in advance about how they plan to stay occupied.

What To Do and Think If the Shofar Sounds Too Loud – Many children with disabilities are sensitive to loud noises. This story reassures children that loud noises are safe. It also gives children useful suggestions about what to do if the noise makes them feel scared or uncomfortable.

How To Apologize – This document presents three steps of making an apology accompanied by simple boardmaker illustration. It is can be used for Yom Kippur or any time during the year. (This document accompanies our social story “It is a Smart Choice to Apologize.”)

How to Accept an Apology – This document presents three steps of accepting an apology accompanied by simple boardmaker illustration. It is can be used for Yom Kippur or any time during the year. (This document also accompanies our social story “It is a Smart Choice to Apologize.”)

For more High Holiday blessings, social stories, social skills worksheets, activities and crafts, visit our resource center.

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