Jake and Jenna welcome you to JN Junior!

The big question: What did you like about this year that you hope will continue into the new Jewish year, 5782?

Genius Jake says:

Millions of pupils in the UK are returning to school after the summer holidays, following months of disrupted education because of the pandemic. At one point, more than 1.5 billion children worldwide were affected by school closures! It’s been a really challenging year. But it’s a new school year and soon-to-be a new Jewish year, Rosh Hashanah, with lots to be hopeful about. 

Rosh Hashanah is the time when we reflect on the past year. While it has been tough for so many with people getting unwell, losing their jobs and not being able to see family and friends, there have also been good things. 

Silver linings were more respect for key workers, getting to know our neighbours, appreciating our homes and hugs with loved ones, flexible working for adults, using technology to do so much, including school – and less pollution, which was better for the environment. 

Livvy Saunders, age nine, from Totteridge, says:

“Before the pandemic, I didn’t know the other children in my street. But during home-schooling, we would all meet outside when the school day finished and scoot up and down. We became good friends and I hope it stays that way next year. I also hope we don’t have to do any more home-schooling – although I did love the daily lie in!”

Good news for…

The Israeli Paralympic Team! At the time of going to press, the team have won seven medals in Tokyo, including four golds. Their swimmers have earned six of those, including double gold medal winner Mark Malyar and Omer Dadaon, who broke a world record in the 200m freestyle. Israel is in 20th position on the medal table, with Great Britain second.

Hands on!

Make a home collage: The ritual of tashlich is a powerful way of letting go of your mistakes. Here’s another idea:  Turn them into art!

Supplies

• Piece of large poster board
• Colourful/patterned paper
• Scissors
• Pen or marker
• Glue

Anytime you need to say sorry to someone for something you’ve done wrong, do your best to make it right. Then, write or draw a picture of it on a small piece of colourful paper (for example, “I didn’t share my toy with my sister”). Cut the paper into small piece so that you can’t read the words anymore. Glue these pieces on to the poster board in any design you like. Continue to add different coloured paper each time, letting go of your mistakes as you create something new and beautiful.

Sign up for your free monthly Jewish book at pjlibrary.org.uk

Five things to enjoy this month:

Van Gogh Alive

Get lost in sunflowers and gaze under a starry canvas at this interactive exhibition in Kensington Gardens, www.vangoghaliveuk.com

What The Ladybird Heard

Julia Donaldson’s tale of the ladybird helping to save the farmer’s cow is showing in Radlett on 23 and 24 September, www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Morgan & West

These time-travelling magicians are at artsdepot to delight all ages, on Sunday, 26 September, www.artsdepot.co.uk

Celestial Storytelling

Youngsters will love this PJ Library session at JW3, featuring yoga and star projectors in the succah! www.jw3.org.uk

Legoland Offers

Sun Superdays 2 for 1 Tickets and Cadbury’s vouchers from 2020 expire on 30 September so book now: www.legoland.co.uk