From the pens of youth

As we move into the new Jewish year, the SA Jewish Report asked our Grades 4 to 7 youngsters how the changes to Rosh Hashanah and life due to the pandemic has impacted on them.

How has Rosh Hashanah changed for you and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Rosh Hashanah hasn’t changed for me, because even though we can’t have big yom tov meals like we usually do, that’s not what Rosh Hashanah is about. It’s about connecting and getting closer to Hashem, which we can still do from home even if shuls are closed. The only thing that’s different is that we are going to daven for COVID-19 to end, and for a refuah shlema for everyone who has COVID-19. Rachel Barnes, Grade 5, Yeshiva

My family always used to enjoy hosting guests during Rosh Hashanah as well as the other yom tovs, giving them a warm welcome in our home, catching up and chatting about things, as well as serving wonderful food. This Rosh Hashanah will be different for the second time round as it’s still not safe to have all our friends together. That’s why Rosh Hashanah has changed for me. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

Usually, the whole family would celebrate together with lunches and suppers. That feeling of being in a real chag has been lost as we are just at home, but I try my best to make it special by singing songs with my brother and helping my mom cook meals for my grandparents before yom tov. Being in shul isn’t the same. I really missed standing on the bima, being shoulder to shoulder with all my friends listening to the rabbi blowing the shofar. Standing outside and standing apart is better than nothing, but it’s not the same! At least I still get to enjoy apples dipped in honey. Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

On Rosh Hashanah before the COVID-19 pandemic, my family and I would go to shul, sing songs, and pray. We’d go all over Johannesburg to friends and family for lunch and eat, talk, and play games for hours. I shared a jar of honey with four other children to dip apples in, and secretly stuck our fingers in sideways. After COVID-19, Rosh Hashanah almost felt surreal. There was no shul and no friends. I did enjoy learning about it in school and doing Rosh Hashanah-based activities (the honey was delicious when I managed to get my mask off). Speaking of masks, they definitely made everything more difficult and tedious. I missed seeing people’s happy faces and gentle laughter. Close to Rosh Hashanah, my grandmother had a stroke, which made not seeing her (or anyone else) a lot harder. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

I’m sad because I can’t spend Rosh Hashanah with my grandparents and entire family. Kara Rozentvaig, Grade 5, KD Ariel

Many traditions that involve physical touching (passing around apples and honey), have to be stopped or changed and of course, big family gatherings have become unsafe. Ashton Jordan, Grade 7, Crawford International Sandton

Last year, not being at shul on Rosh Hashanah was sad, but spending quality time with my family was amazing. Jesse Bregman, Grade 7, Sandton Sinai

What does Rosh Hashanah mean to you?

Rosh Hashanah means more to me during COVID-19 than in other years because it has made me appreciate every day that I’ve been alive. I’m grateful that Hashem gave me and my family another year to live in health because so many people have died, as did my grandfather last year, and therefore not everyone has been blessed to live to this Rosh Hashanah. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

Rosh Hashanah is special because I was born on first day of Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Suchard (from Sandton Shul) was walking around Morningside Clinic blowing the shofar for all the sick Jewish people when they told him that a Jewish baby had just been born. He came into the delivery room and blew the shofar for me and my parents when I was only 20 minutes old! I can’t remember it, but my parents tell me it was very special. This Rosh Hashanah is my Barmitzvah, so it’s extra special. I will be doing my first aliyah in shul the day after Rosh Hashanah – I can’t wait! Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

Rosh Hashanah is a genuinely joyful time. It makes me feel safe to know that I can restart, and have another year filled with chags and simchas. I enjoy all the customs that give people hope for sweet years and forgiveness. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

Rosh Hashanah means a sweet year with our friends and family, and to forgive others and yourself. Aiden Beifus, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

Rosh Hashanah means an opportunity for me to better myself next year. Ashira Katz, Grade 6, KD Ariel

Rosh Hashanah is important to me because it’s almost like a second chance. If in the previous year you’ve been unkind or mean, Rosh Hashanah is the chance to ask for forgiveness and turn over a new leaf. Ashton Jordan, Grade 7, Crawford International Sandton

It means that we start a new year, and can try be better people. Josie Goldberg, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

Rosh Hashanah means that Hashem gives us a second chance to do things better. Dean Raphaely, Grade 4, KD Sandton

Rosh Hashanah gives me another chance to be the best version of myself. Tamra Sweidan, Grade 4, KD Sandton

Rosh Hashanah is when we honour the anniversary of the creation of the world. It feels especially meaningful to me that it corresponds with the beginning of spring – a fresh, new start, a celebration of life! Liya Barnett, Grade 6, KD Linksfield

Rosh Hashanah means to think about all the good and bad things that happened in the year, and to reflect on yourself. This is the time to ask for forgiveness, and start a fresh year. Adam Gad, Grade 6, Herzlia Highlands Primary

Rosh Hashanah is the time when Hashem is really close to us and loves us dearly. Jesse Bregman, Grade 7, Sandton Sinai

Rosh Hashanah means going to shul and davening with a lot more kavanah (purpose). Azriel Shevel, Grade 5, Sandton Sinai

Do you believe there are messages for us in what’s happening in the world? If so, what are they?

The first message is that there may be a lot of negativity from the virus, but there are also positive things. For example, even though we had to stay at home for many months last year, it made me spend a lot of quality time with my parents and sisters and we had lots of fun together, especially when it was cold during winter. Another message COVID-19 has given me is that you must spend your life being as productive as possible and get as much as you can done because every day is so precious. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

COVID-19 has taught me that even little things like going to school and to family for supper is important, and we shouldn’t take them for granted. It has also taught me that when we are in a time of need, the Jewish community always comes together and helps each other. I have learned that our community is strong. I realise how much people actually want to be with other people. The speed with which the virus spreads shows people’s need to be together. Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

I don’t believe that Hashem sends us things like COVID-19 to make us miserable. But, once something like COVID-19 arrives, humans are able to adapt and learn from circumstances. Hashem gives us that ability. Part of the message is to be grateful for what we have. It has also taught us to try harder to protect our environment. When no one went outside or flew overseas, air pollution got much less. There are also things I’ve learned about my close family that I didn’t even know before because of the quality time we spent together. We have also learned things about ourselves because we’re living in a quieter environment. I think we’ve learned to be much more grateful for the people around us. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

I don’t believe that there’s a message for the world, as all I can see is people dying. Hodaya Shenker, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

A good message is not to take things for granted because things happen that you can’t control, and you realise you miss things only when it’s too late. Aiden Beifus, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

Because we’ve been stuck at home, it gives us the chance to appreciate our close family more than before. Ashton Jordan, Grade 7, Crawford International Sandton

The message is to enjoy the little things in life and hold onto those closest to us. Also, to be thankful that we can still have Rosh Hashanah in these tough times even though it might not be like it was in the past. Joshua Stein, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

The message is that we don’t have to be busy all the time, sometimes it’s important to have a break. Josie Goldberg, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

When COVID-19 started, everything shut down, and it reduced air pollution. I think it’s here to help our world. Dean Raphaely, Grade 4, KD Sandton

We have learned to overcome challenges, always stay positive, and most of all, to fight for our beliefs no matter the challenge. Adam Gad, Grade 6, Herzlia Highlands Primary

Hashem is sending us a message that we should act respectfully, kindly, and more honestly to our friends and family. Jesse Bregman, Grade 7, Sandton Sinai

We must start doing teshuva. Lockdown seems like the isolation for tzaraat, which is the punishment for lashon hara. So, I think we are speaking too much lashon hara. Azriel Shevel, Grade 5, Sandton Sinai

Has this pandemic had an impact on your beliefs? If so, what is it?

COVID-19 has had a positive impact on me because, before, I didn’t really focus on the little things in the world. But when we went into lockdown and were stuck at home, I was able to see Hashem in the small things – which I realised are really big things – like seeing the seasons changing and being healthy. Rachel Barnes, Grade 5, Yeshiva

The pandemic has made me so upset for those unfortunate people who were affected or even passed away. But it hasn’t changed my belief that Hashem will guide us out of this plague just like he did with the Jews when he took them out of Egypt. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

Hashem is trying to send us a message not to take things for granted, and to realise how important our health is. I have a stronger belief system since COVID-19, probably also because it has coincided with my Barmitzvah learning year. Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

The pandemic has broken my world of rainbows and cupcakes, and shown me that there can be bad things too. Living with 18 months of the pandemic has stripped away my childhood, and now I can see the things that matter most. But it has also taught me to believe in human beings and that in a crisis, we can be there for each other and come up with creative solutions from medical science. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

I still believe in Hashem. It’s just hard for me to daven knowing that a lot of people are sick. Kara Rozentvaig, Grade 5, KD Ariel

The pandemic has strengthened my belief in G-d, as I see people helping each other and the majority of people pulling through this horrendous virus with the help of Hashem. Joshua Stein, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

COVID-19 hasn’t changed my beliefs. Hashem does everything for a reason, even if we don’t understand it. Tamra Sweidan, Grade 4, KD Sandton

The world we live in today shows us that no matter who you are or how much money you have, Hashem decides what our days, weeks, months, and years will look like. My parents have taught me that I need to do everything I can in every situation, and leave what’s out of my control to Hashem. Liya Barnett, Grade 6, KD Linksfield

No matter how careful you are, if Hashem wants you to get the virus, you’ll get it. Azriel Shevel, Grade 5, Sandton Sinai

How have you adapted to learning during the pandemic – online and then in class with restrictions?

In the beginning, I thought that Zoom school would be fun but after a while, I began to wish for something I never believed I would – all I wanted was go back to school! I hated sitting in my room all day, and I missed my teachers and friends. Being back at school with restrictions is still way better than being at home. In the beginning, it was hard to wear a mask all day, but now, when I get into the car to go home, I forget to take my mask off. My friends and I still manage to enjoy break time, even with social distancing. Rachel Barnes, Grade 5, Yeshiva

Online school took a lot of getting used to at first, but once it started to become the norm, it was easier to navigate through the work and all the changes at home. It was great online, but sitting back in my class for the first time last year was definitely better. I did have to adjust to a few changes, such as the masks on our faces, sanitising our hands and desks 24/7, and making sure we kept a social distance by putting hula hoops around ourselves and our desks. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

Online learning has been a rollercoaster. From my bedroom being my classroom, to my bed being my locker, it has been a huge adjustment, but it has been good to find out how self-reliant I actually am. In class with restrictions, it’s almost the same as pre-COVID-19, but one puzzle piece is always missing – like playing rugby at break, or having fun activities like galas. I still love being in class and seeing my friends, but I really miss doing big group work. Nevertheless, I love school more than online learning – COVID-19 or not! Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

I found learning online very difficult. There were many distractions and glitches. There was always the fear that Eskom would strike again. Adapting to online school was a long (and perpetual) experience. It was new to most people. Going online in Grade 6 was a bit better because the teachers and students had more experience. I think I speak for everyone when I say that going back to school in person was an exciting time. It was a huge upgrade from online school, but it did have its problems. Masks, of course, were one of them. It felt like there was no emotion anymore (no facial expression.) My hands got dry from the sanitiser, and social distancing was hard to control because it was so incredibly exciting to see friends. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

I don’t like online school. Hodaya Shenker, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

It was hard to get used to online learning last year, but now I’m used to it and it’s easy. Masks have been a big restriction because I can’t hear the teachers properly. Aiden Beifus, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

Online, I’ve been more organised with work and sticking in worksheets. Online learning has been easier as it isn’t stressful, and (in class), the restrictions have been annoying. Ashira Katz, Grade 6, KD Ariel

There are pros and cons about hybrid learning. On the one hand, there are many physical projects that we couldn’t do, but on the other, there are many elements of online classes that have aided learning. Ashton Jordan, Grade 7, Crawford International Sandton

I have adapted easily to restrictions at school – wearing masks and sanitising has become part of my daily routine. Online classes are almost the same as school, but I would much rather be in school with my friends than online. Learning under restrictions can take its toll on people, but we have learned to adapt. Joshua Stein, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

I’ve become used to online and in-class learning. I’ve become much better at working on the computer because I had never experienced online school before. Josie Goldberg, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

I’ve learned to be grateful for online school, as other children don’t have access to it, even though I don’t enjoy it at all. In class things are different as we must be careful – social distance, wear masks, and sanitise. It’s nice to see our friends, but we still have to be cautious. Tamra Sweidan, Grade 4, KD Sandton

I’m grateful to attend a school which has given me the opportunity to learn, whether at school or online. Incredible technology gave me the tools to learn and stay close to my teachers. Liya Barnett, Grade 6, KD Linksfield

I have adapted badly to online learning. I found it difficult. It’s easier in class with restrictions. Azriel Shevel, Grade 5, Sandton Sinai

What do you miss most about the time before COVID-19?

I miss many things, mostly arrangements, sleepovers, Bnei Akiva sleep away camps, the school gala and netball matches, my other extra murals, big Shabbos lunches with our friends, and most importantly, I miss my brother and sister who have been in Israel since the beginning of COVID-19. Rachel Barnes, Grade 5, Yeshiva

I miss playdates with my friends. I really missed being in shul and davening with my community when the shuls were closed. I wish I could walk around without constantly having to cover my mouth. I also wish I didn’t have to worry that I might spread a deadly virus to someone else so that I could do simple things like share stationery with my friends during class. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

I miss going to a movie and sharing popcorn with my friends. I miss huge gatherings like concerts and sports events. I miss the indoor cricket tournaments I played every year from when I was nine years old, and I really, really miss hugging my grandparents. Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

I miss connecting with people, social arrangements, parties, sleepovers, and even the normality of school without masks. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

I miss seeing my family in Israel. Hodaya Shenker, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

I miss being able to hug or have a celebration with my friends because now you literally have to stay away from them so I miss having a proper relationship. Aiden Beifus, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

I miss hanging out and having fun with my friends the most. COVID-19 ruined it. Kara Rozentvaig, Grade 5, KD Ariel

I miss big festive family gatherings such as on Pesach, Chanukah, birthdays, Barmitzvahs, and Batmitzvahs the most. Ashton Jordan, Grade 7, Crawford International Sandton

I miss being free from wearing a mask, but we have adapted well to everything else. We have learned to appreciate the little things in life, and enjoy all the beauty around us. Joshua Stein, Grade 6, Herzlia Weizmann Primary

I miss just being able to see everyone’s faces. Tamra Sweidan, Grade 4, KD Sandton

I miss spending time with family and friends without worrying about COVID-19. I miss my routine, and the fact that I can’t show or receive love and care in a physical way. Liya Barnett, Grade 6, KD Linksfield

I wish life would go back to normal. I hope that next year we will have contained COVID-19 or stopped it completely. I hope I and my family will be healthy and embark on new adventures. Adam Gad, Grade 6, Herzlia Highlands Primary

What do you wish for in the coming year?

I know everything Hashem does for me is good, even if it’s sometimes hard, but I hope that this year will be blessed with everything that’s good and sweet. I also wish for a refuah shlema for everyone who is sick. And I wish that I could see my brother and sister soon. Rachel Barnes, Grade 5, Yeshiva

As I work towards my final year of primary school, I hope COVID-19 won’t be as serious in my first year of high school next year, and that I can go back to a normal school day without any restrictions. I pray Hashem will look after us during this terrible plague. Shimi Donnenberg, Grade 6, Yeshiva

I hope South Africa will lower the vaccination age to 12 years old, and for everyone to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Next year, I want most things to go back to normal. Daniel Segal, Grade 7, KD Victory Park

On a global level, my hope is for the development of vaccines and cures for COVID-19. I also wish it would stop mutating, and get weaker. On a personal note, this is my Batmitzvah year, and although we are trying, my Batmitzvah probably won’t be the same as how I’d always imagined it. Family overseas won’t be able to come, and there will definitely be masks involved, but I hope I can celebrate it happily and feel a change in my life spiritually. Maya Roth, Grade 6, KD Victory Park

I wish COVID-19 would end, and that people could live a happy life. Hodaya Shenker, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

I wish COVID-19 would disappear, and I wish the world peace. Aiden Beifus, Grade 5, Eden Primary School

I hope COVID-19 dies down, and I don’t get stressed about silly things. Ashira Katz, Grade 6, KD Ariel

I wish COVID-19 would reduce, and we could enjoy our lives. Kara Rozentvaig, Grade 5, KD Ariel

I don’t think we’ll ever go back to how it was before COVID-19, but I would like to have a year without the worry of COVID-19 and to start celebrating simchas again. Ashton Jordan, Grade 7, Crawford International Sandton

I hope everyone is happy and healthy next year, that we can get rid of this virus, and somewhat return to how things were before. Tamra Sweidan, Grade 4, KD Sandton

I hope Hashem will help us remove COVID-19 so that we can put all the energy we have been using to stay healthy into other activities that bring us positivity and simchas. I hope that in the year to come, Hashem will bless us with health and happiness so that we can go back to the way things were before COVID-19. Liya Barnett, Grade 6, KD Linksfield

I wish for everyone to stay healthy, and that COVID-19 will eventually go away and we can return to a “normal” fun time. Jesse Bregman, Grade 7, Sandton Sinai

I wish COVID-19 would come to an end. Azriel Shevel, Grade 5, Sandton Sinai