As Rosh Hashanah approaches during the month of Elul, students throughout the halls of Westchester Day School have been immersed in learning and celebration.

In the middle and upper divisions (grades two-eight), students have been focusing on the powerful concept of teshuva (repentance), exploring its depth and the importance of self-improvement as we enter the new year. With Rosh Hashanah falling later this year, teachers have had the valuable opportunity to dive deeper into meaningful topics, including why certain prayers, like Hallel, are not recited on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

In the lower division (ganon—grade one), students have enjoyed a wide range of activities that bring the new year to life. They’ve been learning about the symbolic sounds of the shofar, discovering the differences between various types—like the antelope and ram’s horns—and the significance of each sound. Traditional favorites like apple stamping, beehive paintings and dressing up as bees have filled the classrooms with creativity and joy. And of course, everyone has delighted in the timeless custom of dipping apples in honey, a sweet tradition we all look forward to.

Westchester Day School extends warm wishes for a Shana Tova to all community members—may the new year be filled with health, happiness and success!