For any Jewish family, finding a balance between holidays and a busy school/ work calendar can be challenging. Between demanding careers, kids’ school activities, and more, holidays might just sneak up on us and are often not given the attention they deserve!
Holiday celebrations are indeed the most important thing on the calendar, and with some planning busy families can connect and engage meaningfully with each other and the holiday itself. The Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat is coming up in two weeks, with Purim to follow a month after that! So now is the time to start planning so you truly can make the most of every holiday for your family! Read on to discover seven holiday ideas for busy Jewish families.
Connect to Jewish Programming
For many families, logging into virtual workshops is just what’s needed to prepare for a holiday when you are pressed for time. Digital access means that you can fit a meaningful Jewish connection into your family’s routine, whether a class about Hanukkah candle lighting or a cooking demonstration.
Above: Learn how to bake sourdough bread together!
Cook Together For The Holiday
When you cook together, you can transform a necessary chore into a festive ritual. Instead of one person doing all the food prep, why not involve everyone in basic tasks like decorating cookies or braiding challah. These shared moments foster better communication, also making it possible to pass down family recipes and cooking tips. Busy parents can also bond with their children while preparing a meal, and teach them basic kitchen skills.
Listen To An Audio Book Together And Do A Puzzle
A low-effort but effective way to bond during the holidays is to listen to an audio book together while doing a puzzle or even several puzzles. A family puzzle night offers a needed pause, and together with an audio book is enriching and relaxing. If you like, consider pausing the audio book to discuss the story or the content of the book. And maybe even schedule a listening hour into every week!
Above: On Chanukah light antique family heirlooms together
Light Candles and Connect
While women light special candles for Shabbat, other candles or tea lights can be lit any time to honor deceased relatives or great figures in Jewish history. Although it only takes a few minutes to light some candles, this activity can provide a strong spiritual anchor. This simple ritual can be the difference between the workday rush and sacred family time. Families can also encourage gratitude by offering a collective blessing. Candles and other Jewish ritual items help families acknowledge the importance of their heritage.
Above: Sit with a young child and make fun decorations for his birthday, together!
Do a Little Karaoke
Turning up the music and hosting a small karaoke session can instantly lift everyone’s holiday mood. One fun way to celebrate is to sing along to Hebrew classics or popular modern songs like “Matisyahu.” Karaoke helps everyone blow off steam and is a perfect bonding activity for families with tight schedules. Board games and building toys of all kinds are other ideas to play, together!
Try a Jewish Dance Party
For families who love music and getting active, a Jewish dance party offers the ultimate opportunity to get moving! Clear the living room and play some fun Israeli pop and upbeat Klezmer before getting everyone to join in on the fun. Learn some traditional Israeli folk dances and dance in a circle!
Above: Fold some origami fruit so fun and great holiday decor!
Take Some Time to Get Crafty
By getting crafty, and engaging in creative activities for any age, families can connect with Jewish holiday traditions, decorate the house for the holiday, or even make a keepsake to remember that special time. Something as simple as folding origami fruit, assembling a quick tzedakah box, or creating a vibrant Sukkah poster can engage children’s imaginations, and build skills. And there is nothing like a great project to keep the kids busy while older members of the family might need to be preparing for holiday meals or hosting guests.
End Note
One good thing about the holidays is that it forces even the busiest Jewish families to enjoy together time. Simple activities like connecting to Jewish programming, cooking together, listening to audio books together, and even doing some karaoke can make a huge difference. Or why not light candles, try a dance party, or get crafty?
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