Preparing for Rosh HaShanah doesn’t need to be stressful, when you can organize yourself and prioritize your time, the preparations and the holidays itself can be truly enjoyable!

Sounds crazy?

It’s not!

Keep reading for my tips and lists to make your prep stress-free.

Tip #1 Organization is KEY

With just under two weeks to go, now is the time to start making your guest lists, create your menu, and start going through recipes (both new and tried and true!).

 

Tip #2: Make your shopping list now and check it against your recipes

The last thing you want is to realize halfway through cooking that you don’t have a key ingredient for something. Make a list, check your pantry, and check your recipes for anything you may need.

Sample shopping list:

  • Apples
  • Candles (enough for 2 nights of lighting)
  • 24 hour Yahrzeit candle to light the candles from
  • Challah (8 all together)
    Honey
  • New fruit
  • Menu ingredients
  • Wine/Grape juice

 

Don’t forget about the simanim!

  • Beets*
  • Black-eyed peas*
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots’
  • Dates
  • Fish head
  • Gourds**
  • Leeks**
  • Pomegranates
  • Rams head

*can be made into salads
**can be made into a soup

Tip #3: Go through your clothes

Go through your own clothes, as well as your kids clothes to check for any repairs of dry cleaning that needs to be done.

Tip #4: Make appointments now!

Need a haircut? Want to get your nails done for Chag? Book now and don’t wait until the last minute.

Tip #5: Make a Pre-Chag checklist for each night

This will help you keep track of what is being served, what needs to be set up and you can delegate each one to a family member. When it’s written down in the same place, it’s easier for everyone to keep track of what they are responsible for and when.

Sample Pre-Chag Checklist:

  • Turn on Plata
  • Adjust lights and timers
  • Fill urn and turn it on
  • Turn off the fridge light (make sure it’s set for 48 hours!)
  • Set up guest rooms
  • Set table
  • Set up the Yahrzeit candle
  • Pack a shul bag (water, tissues, machzor, snacks for kids, a sweater



By figuring out what needs to get done NOW you will not only have a more enjoyable time preparing for Chag, but you can make it easier for you to have an enjoyable Chag and focus on what is truly most important to you.

 

For even more in-depth checklists for Rosh HaShanah and Chagim, order your copy of the Organized Jewish Life Shabbat & Holiday Planner to help you! https://amzn.to/3wSW9ef 

 

Shana Tova U’Metukah!

May this year be a year filled with good health, smachot, and ultimate organization!

By the way – If you liked these tips, be sure to also check out my new book Organized Jewish Life –
https://amzn.to/3CZJbzo