Related reading: Tisha B'Av for Kids: Printable PDF and Explanation and Second Hakafot Printable, PDF and Explanation.
Tashlich is one of the memorable moments of Rosh Hashanah: people go to a place with water, pause for a few minutes, and recite a prayer that expresses the hope of entering the new year with repentance, mercy and a cleaner heart. People searching for printable Tashlich or a Tashlich PDF usually need a simple, clear page: when to go, what to do, how to explain it to children, and how to use the page during the holiday without confusion.
This guide is original content for parents, families, teachers and groups who want to prepare for Tashlich in a respectful and accessible way. It includes an explanation, a short order of use, a children’s version, family discussion questions, a Rosh Hashanah quiz idea and licensing notes. The full prayer text is not copied here from any external source. If the site later adds the full text, it should be verified against an authoritative machzor and marked for editorial review before publication.
In Short: What Is Tashlich?
Tashlich is a custom recited on Rosh Hashanah near a body of water: a sea, river, spring, lake or another suitable water source, depending on local custom and availability. Its name is connected to a verse in the book of Micah: “cast into the depths of the sea all their sins.” The verse expresses the request that a person not remain trapped by the mistakes of the past year, but be able to begin again with mercy, responsibility and repair.
It is important to say this simply: we are not “throwing sins away” as though they were objects, and a symbolic gesture does not replace inner work. Tashlich is a symbol that helps a person say to themselves and to their family: we want to release what weighs us down, ask forgiveness, choose better and enter the new year with a more open heart.
When Is Tashlich Recited?
In many communities, Tashlich is recited on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, after Mincha and before sunset. When the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, many customs postpone Tashlich to the second day, among other reasons to avoid carrying a machzor or printed page where carrying is not permitted.
Some communities recite Tashlich later during the Ten Days of Repentance, especially if it was missed on Rosh Hashanah. Because customs differ, a printable guide should present the timing carefully:
- Ideally: according to family and community custom.
- Common time: the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, after Mincha.
- If the first day falls on Shabbat: many communities move it to the second day.
- If you missed it: check your family custom or ask a rabbi.
Where Is Tashlich Recited?
The custom is to go to a place with water. Some prefer flowing water or a place with fish, but in practice many families recite Tashlich near the sea, a river, a spring, a natural pool, an urban lake or a viewpoint toward water. What matters is that the place is safe, respectful and suitable for the family.
Before going, think about three simple points:
- Safety: choose a lit, accessible and child-safe place.
- Respect for the place: do not throw litter, crumbs, bags or objects into the water.
- Timing: arrive early enough to recite calmly, without rushing toward sunset.
What Do You Do at Tashlich?
The order can be very short, especially for a family with children. The goal is not to stretch the moment beyond people’s attention span, but to create a clear moment of prayer and reflection.
Suggested family order:
- Go to a suitable water location with a machzor or verified Tashlich sheet.
- Stand together in a safe place, at a suitable distance from the water’s edge.
- Explain in one sentence what you are about to do: “We are asking to begin a new year and release actions and habits we want to repair.”
- Recite the Tashlich verses or text according to your machzor and custom.
- In many communities, people lightly shake the corners of their clothing as a symbol of shaking off sin, without turning it into a game or distraction.
- Add a short personal moment: each person silently thinks of one thing they want to improve this year.
- End with a family blessing: a year of forgiveness, blessing and good deeds.
Printable Tashlich: What Should the Page Include?
A good Tashlich sheet should serve two moments: before the holiday, when the family wants to prepare and print; and during Tashlich, when the family needs to read quickly without clutter.
Recommended A4 page elements:
- Clear title: “Tashlich for Rosh Hashanah.”
- Timing reminder: “After Mincha, before sunset, according to family custom.”
- Short preparation list: machzor or verified sheet, water location, comfortable shoes, child supervision.
- A three-line explanation of the meaning of Tashlich.
- Space for the verified prayer text, if approved for publication.
- A children’s version.
- Three family discussion questions.
- A link or QR code to a Rosh Hashanah quiz.
- Internal licensing note if the full prayer text appears.
Printable Family Tashlich Table
| Stage | What To Do | Why It Matters | Children’s Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Check the time, safe location and verified sheet | The family arrives calmly | “We are going out for a new-year moment.” |
| Opening | Stand near water and explain the custom | Everyone understands the moment | “We do not put litter in the water; we think about our hearts.” |
| Prayer | Read from a machzor or verified text | The custom is connected to words of prayer | “The words help us ask to begin well.” |
| Symbol | Some lightly shake the corners of their clothing | It symbolizes shaking off harmful habits | “It is a reminder, not magic.” |
| Personal thought | Each person chooses one thing to repair | Tashlich becomes personal and meaningful | “What good deed do I want to add this year?” |
| Quiz | Ask one short question about Rosh Hashanah | The custom becomes enjoyable learning | “What does the word Tashlich mean?” |
Children’s Version: How Do You Explain Tashlich?
You can say to children:
“On Rosh Hashanah we ask to begin a better year. At Tashlich we stand near water and say words that remind us that we can release mistakes, ask forgiveness and choose again. We do not dirty the water and we do not actually throw anything away; we use a small symbol to remind us to improve our actions.”
Short children’s activity:
- Each child chooses one word for the new year: forgiveness, joy, help, courage, Torah or peace.
- Each child quietly thinks of one good deed they want to add.
- After Tashlich, ask a quiz question: Which biblical book contains the verse that gave the custom its name?
- At home, each child writes or draws “one good thing I want to bring into the new year.”
Online Tashlich and PDF: Recommended User Experience
A Tashlich page should be very usable on mobile, because many users will open it on the way to prayer or near the water. Build it with practical use in mind:
- A “Print” button for a clean A4 page.
- A “Download PDF” button with a short family version.
- A “Read online” option with comfortable text size.
- A safety reminder for families with children.
- Clear links to Rosh Hashanah, symbolic foods, Rosh Hashanah blessings and Rosh Hashanah Kiddush.
- A link to a Rosh Hashanah quiz immediately after the custom.
The Tashlich text appears in machzorim and siddurim according to different customs, and may include verses, prayers and kabbalistic or community additions. It is important to distinguish between original content and prayer text.
Questions for Conversation Near the Water
Tashlich can become a short family conversation without becoming heavy:
- What do we want to leave behind as a new year begins?
- What is the difference between regretting a mistake and choosing to change?
- Why is water a fitting symbol for a new beginning?
- What good word do we want to say more often at home this year?
- From whom do we want to ask forgiveness?
- What small good deed can we begin this week?
- How can Rosh Hashanah become not only a beautiful holiday, but a real beginning?
Rosh Hashanah Quiz: Questions About Tashlich
The quiz connection turns Tashlich from a short custom into living family learning.
Sample questions:
- On which holiday is Tashlich recited?
- Near what do people usually recite Tashlich?
- Which biblical book contains the verse that gave the custom its name?
- When is Tashlich usually recited?
- What do many communities do if the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat?
- Do we throw litter or crumbs into the water?
- What does shaking the corners of one’s clothing symbolize?
- What is one thing a person can improve in the new year?
- Why is it important to use a machzor or verified text?
- What blessing would you wish your family after Tashlich?
Call to action: After Tashlich, open a short Rosh Hashanah quiz. Start with Tashlich, continue to shofar, symbolic foods and the month of Tishrei, and end with one personal question each participant answers in a single word.
FAQ
Is Tashlich mandatory?
Tashlich is a widespread and cherished custom in Jewish communities, but it is not a Torah commandment. Someone who cannot reach a water source or is unsure about the custom should follow family and community practice.
When is Tashlich recited on Rosh Hashanah?
In many communities, Tashlich is recited on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, after Mincha and before sunset. If the first day falls on Shabbat, many customs postpone it to the second day.
Where is Tashlich recited?
Tashlich is usually recited near a water source: a sea, river, spring, lake or another suitable place with water. Safety and dignity matter, especially when children are present.
Must the water contain fish?
Some customs prefer water that contains fish, but this is not always possible. Follow family and community custom while keeping safety and accessibility first.
Can children participate in Tashlich?
Yes. It is best to explain the custom simply: Tashlich is a reminder to begin a new year, ask forgiveness and choose better actions. The water should not become a play area during the prayer.
Should crumbs be thrown into the water?
No. There is no need to throw crumbs, litter or objects into the water. Educationally and environmentally, it is better to emphasize that Tashlich is an inner symbol, not an act of polluting the water.
Can I print a Tashlich sheet?
What if we missed Tashlich on Rosh Hashanah?
Some communities allow Tashlich later during the Ten Days of Repentance. In that case, check your family custom or ask a rabbi.
Rosh Hashanah Quiz Idea
Quiz name: “What Do We Cast Away, and What Do We Carry Into the New Year?”
Suggested structure:
- Round one: identification questions about Tashlich, water, Rosh Hashanah and the book of Micah.
- Round two: true or false about Rosh Hashanah customs.
- Round three: each participant receives a word such as forgiveness, mercy, beginning or repair and connects it to a family question.