Looking for a meaningful and creative way to celebrate the Jewish New Year? Try making Rosh HaShanah bunting—a festive and symbolic decoration that doubles as a reflective activity for families and individuals alike.
Whether you’re preparing for a High Holiday celebration at home or looking for an easy, thoughtful Rosh HaShanah craft, this DIY bunting project brings tradition, creativity, and intention together beautifully.
Why Make Rosh HaShanah Bunting?
Growing up in the South gave Rabbi Lauren a lifelong love of bunting decorations—those charming garlands strung across mantles, walls, or windows. For Rosh HaShanah, she puts a Jewish twist on the tradition by crafting pomegranate-themed bunting to reflect on the blessings, hopes, and meaning of the new year.
This simple craft invites us to pause and consider:
- What do we want to bring into the new year?
- What values do we want to pass on?
- How can we connect more deeply with loved ones and the spirit of teshuvah (return and reflection)?
Pomegranates and Their Meaning in Judaism
Pomegranates are a powerful symbol in Jewish tradition, especially during the High Holy Days:
- One of the Seven Species of the Land of Israel
- Said to have 613 seeds, representing the 613 mitzvot (commandments)
- A symbol of righteousness, knowledge, and abundance
- Featured in the Torah, adorning priestly garments and the ancient Temple (Exodus 28:33–34; 1 Kings 7:18–20)
Plus, they’re easy to draw and turn into decorations—just imagine a circle with a crown!
How to Make Your Own Rosh HaShanah Bunting
Materials You’ll Need:
- String or twine
- Paper clips, clothespins, or a hole punch
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Pomegranate template (or trace your own!)
Instructions:
- Use our printable template or draw pomegranates by tracing circles.
- Add crowns to the top of each fruit.
- Decorate with colors, blessings, or notes for the new year.
- Clip or string them together and hang the bunting in your home.
- Reflect, celebrate, and enjoy a visual reminder of your intentions for the year ahead.
Make It Meaningful: Conversation Questions for the New Year
This project isn’t just about decorating—it’s a chance to have heartfelt conversations and set intentions. You can write your answers on the pomegranates or simply discuss them as a family.
Here are seven questions—one for each day of the week leading up to Rosh HaShanah:
- What blessing or quality do you most hope you or your loved ones carry into the new year?
(Resilience, peace, joy, or something else?) - Who in your life could use an extra measure of sweetness or hope this year?
(Think of loved ones—and yourself—who deserve compassion.) - What moments of kindness or connection from the past year do you want to build upon?
(Reflect on meaningful relationships and growth.) - If you could offer one prayer or intention for the world this Rosh HaShanah, what would it be?
(Unity? Justice? Healing?) - What does a “sweet new year” mean to you, and how can you help bring that sweetness into others’ lives?
(Acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or joyful surprises.) - Whose presence or impact are you especially grateful for, and how might you express that gratitude?
(Write them a note or simply let them know.) - What mitzvah or act of kindness would you like to take on this year to bring light into someone else’s life?
(Start small—one meaningful action can create big ripples.)
A Sweet and Reflective Start to the New Year
Creating Rosh HaShanah bunting is a fun and meaningful way to welcome the Jewish New Year with creativity, intention, and tradition. Whether you’re decorating your home, hosting a gathering, or simply taking time to reflect, this craft offers a hands-on opportunity to engage with the themes of teshuvah, renewal, and joy.
Wishing you a colorful, crafty, and sweet new year—Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!
