Rosh Hashanah is the perfect opportunity to reflect on who we are in our family, how we want to be seen by them, and how we can be supportive of each other during the coming year. Asking each other meaningful questions that inspire genuine conversation — and listening with intent — can enrich our family’s relationships.

The following activity offers suggested prompts for grandparents, parents, and grandchildren to discuss together on Rosh Hashanah. Feel free to add other questions that reflect your family’s culture and interests.

Grandchild, with your grandparent:
Will you share with me….   

1. The most important thing I should know about my great-grandparents
2. One thing I don’t already know about you
3. One thing you’re curious about in my life 
4. One thing you hope is always a part of me

Grandparent, with your grandchild:
Tell me one thing you want me to…

1. Do or do more of with you
2. Learn or get better at
3. Do differently

Parent, with your older child or teen:
Will you share with me…

1. One thing I don’t already know about you
2. One thing you would like me to do differently in our interactions
3. One thing you want me to continue doing
4. How you want me to parent you now

Grandchild, with your parent:
Will you share with me…

1. One thing I don’t already know about you
2. One thing you would like me to do differently in the way we are together
3. One characteristic you hope is always a part of me

Parent, with your parent (the grandparent):
What is one thing you want me to continue doing for you as your adult child?

Grandparent, with your adult child:
What is one thing you want me to continue doing for you as your parent?

Each person, think about:

1. What do I want to continue to do this year?
2. In what ways do I want to grow?
3. What do I want to notice during the coming year?
4. What values and intentions do I want to nurture?

May this year bring you joy and may you engage in fun and meaningful experiences with your grandchildren. 

Ilene Vogelstein is President of the Jewish Grandparents Network.

Photographic Credits
Banner art by Deborah Zemke
Photograph of grandparent and grandchild with heads together courtesy of True Photography & Video
Photograph of family by Stephanie Fink
Photograph of grandparent and grandchild in kitchen by Rahel Musleah