Background:
Tashlich is a High Holiday ritual of throwing into a river breadcrumbs (or an ecologically friendly alternative, such as rice paper), as a symbolic casting out of our misdeeds from the past year.
The ritual takes its name from Micah 7:19, in which the prophet described God as forgiving the people: “You shall throw away (תַשְׁלִיךְ – tashlich) into the deep sea all of our sins.” This ritual guide, designed for parents and teens, can be used anytime through Sukkot near a body of water.
Discuss with your family:
1. According to tradition, tashlich ideally takes place by a body of water where fish are present. One reason for this is that fish always have their eyes open, watching what’s happening around them. How can parents and teens watch out for each other?
2. In the verse from Micah, it is God who is casting our sins into the sea, not us. Are there any wrongs from this past year – either in your life or in the world – that you feel need the help of a higher power?
3. The ritual of tashlich is not enough by itself. We must also apologize and make sure we do not repeat the mistake in the future. Think about one of your wrongdoings from the past year, whether accidental or intentional. What is one thing you can do to make it right, or to make sure you do something different next time?
Reflect and share:
Now respond in writing to these prompts. For the first prompt, we recommend using washable markers or dissolvable paper; for the second prompt, we recommend blank cardstock, a small piece of cardboard, or a note in your phone.
On paper: What do you want to cast off from the past year? A mistake you made accidentally that nevertheless caused harm, or a wrongdoing you did on purpose?
On cardstock: What do you want to take with you into the coming year? Something you want to watch out for, or continue doing, or a way that you want to be a better person?
This writing is private and does not need to be shared. We suggest, however, taking turns sharing what support you might need to accomplish what you wrote.
Your generous support allows us to reach more teens and more communities in the coming year. Please help Moving Traditions support more Jewish youth by making a donation today.