Free Rosh Hashanah Word Search Printables

These free Rosh Hashanah Word Search Printables are a fun activity to learn about and celebrate the Jewish New Year.

There are six different word search puzzles of varying difficulty in this set which means the whole family can join in the word fun!

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Rosh Hashanah Word Search Printables

Word search puzzles are fun for kids and adults alike, and are a perfect activity for when some quiet time is needed (like when cooking a special meal!).

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, something which my husband and his family celebrate.

I was recently asked if I had any printables for Rosh Hashanah, and it prompted me to get some made for all those that celebrate – and for those who would like to learn a bit about it.

Rosh Hashanah has many symbolic things associated with it, and it’s actually been quite the learning experience for me as I put together the word list for the puzzles.

So I’m going to share the symbolism and meanings of [some of] the words in the Rosh Hashanah word searches so that you can in turn teach your kids (or yourself) about them while they solve the puzzles.

Rosh Hashanah Foods

• Apples and Honey – are traditionally eaten at Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing a sweet new year. Apple Cake or Honey Cake (or Apple & Honey Cake) is often made to celebrate the new year.
• Beets – also known as beetroots, are eaten to express the hope that our enemies will depart.
• Carrots – symbolize the desire for increased blessings in the new year.
• Challah Bread – A braided bread that is made in a round shape for Rosh Hashanah to symbolize continuity, and represent the unending cycle of life and creation.
• Dates – the Hebrew word for dates is t’marim, and relates to punishing enemies, so are eaten in the hope that our enemies will be finished! Or that they symbolize ending our own prejudices.
• Fish Heads – Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year” and so, it represents us moving forward and making progress, rather than looking back (at the tail).
• Gourds – are both ornamental and edible, and you will more likely know about pumpkins (which are also squash!). A pun can be made from the Hebrew name k’ra: “May our merits be proclaimed before God!
• Leeks – again, the Hebrew word kareyt (meaning to cut) is linked to the prayer that those who wish to hurt us will instead be cut off.
• Pomegranate – with many seeds inside, this fruit symbolizes the many merits we will create in the coming new year.

Rosh Hashanah Words

• Kiddush – a prayer said over the wine before a meal
• Machzor – the prayer book used on High Holy Days
• Mitzvah – a good deed from religious duty
• Selichot – prayers said during High Holy Days
• Shana Tovah – Hebrew for wishing a good new year, full spelling is L’Shanah Tovah.
• Shofar – an ancient musical instrument made from a ram’s horn. It is blown several times on Rosh Hashanah.
• Tashlick – also spelled tashlich, tashlikh, means to wash away sins.
• Teruah – one of the sounds/notes that comes from the shofar.
• Tishrei – the first month of the new year that Rosh Hashanah falls in.
• Yom Tov – a greeting that means “good day”

Word Search Puzzles

I have created six different word searches of varying difficulty (they are color-coded) using words and phrases associated with Rosh Hashanah as described below:

• In the two easy word search puzzles (red), single words appear horizontally and vertically, and forwards only.
• In the two medium word search puzzles (blue), words and phrases appear horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and forwards only.
• In the two hard word search puzzles (yellow), words and phrases appear forwards and backward and in all directions – horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.

Also included are the answer sheets to all the puzzles should you have trouble finding all of the words/phrases.

Puzzles like these Rosh Hashanah word search printables are also fab for those with a competitive nature!

Whether it is by yourself and trying to solve the puzzle against a timer, or with other people and see who can find all the words first.

As you find the words, cross them off the list.

I like to use highlighter pens to mark words when I find them instead of crossing them through.

Highlighting the words is best for children as the letters can still be clearly seen (useful when words cross paths on the grid).

• You will find the download links further down this page surrounded by a purple box. Tap the purple download buttons to save the file(s) to your device.
• Printables are available in two paper sizes – A4 and US Letter (8.5″ x 11″). Download the size that is appropriate for your printer.

Benefits of Word Searches

Word searches are great brain-training puzzles for people of all ages.

They are fun to do and they have some great benefits including:

• Developing word recognition
• Developing pattern recognition
• Encourage problem-solving
• Increasing vocabulary
• Improving spelling
• Can help to boost your memory and brain development

More Word Search Printables

Looking for more word search printables to download? Right-click and open these ones in a new tab to check out next:

• Free Hanukkah Word Search Printables for the Whole Family!
• Free Printable Thanksgiving Word Searches for All The Family!
• Free Printable Summer Beach Word Search! Fun Word Puzzle for Kids!

Over the years I’ve created a variety of printables – for crafts, parties, organisation, and celebrations like Halloween, Christmas, and more! Here are 100+ Free Printables to download and use!

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