Over 14 million people around the world follow the religion of Judaism. These people are known as Jews.
Judaism originated in Israel, and the city of Jerusalem is very holy for Jewish people. Judaism is a monotheistic religion, meaning that its followers believe in one God.
Teach your children about the Judaism using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Make a dreidel to play with during Hannukah.
- This image of a fish shaped spice box from the Jewish Museum in London is a great way to begin a discussion about Shabbat.
- Start a discussion about important meals. Look at important meals in Judaism, such as the Seder Plate at Pesach (Passover), or Shabbat Dinner.
- Create a storyboard of a story from the Torah, such as the creation story.
- Watch this video about the synagogue and ask children to make a list of the things that are found in them.
Resources
- Use our Judaism fact cards as a reading or display resource.
- Our Judaism banners are perfect for your display boards! Choose from Judaism, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Noah’s Ark. The Ten Commandments, Rosh Hashanah and Shavuot.
- Visit the Jewish Museum London’s resources page for lots of ideas and resources.
- Oak National Academy has a series of lesson on Judaism.
- Find Jewish songs on this page from Chabad.
Judaism Facts
- Judaism is around 4,000 years old.
- The religion was founded by the prophet Abraham.
- The six-sided Star of David is the symbol of Judaism.
- Jewish people worship in a synagogue.
- The Torah is the holy book of Judaism, it is also important in Christianity as it forms part of the Old Testament in the Bible.
Videos
Life as a Jewish child
11 year old Charlie from Manchester describes his life. This is part of a short series about Charlie from BBC Teach.
Running time: 1:48
The Jewish Story of Moses
An animated retelling of the story of Moses, aimed at younger children.
Running time: 4:18
Judaism
Zoe talks about her beliefs and practices.
Running time: 3:29
The Abrahamic Religions
This lesson clearly explains the relationship between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Running time: 4:23
Books
Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup
Sophie’s two grandmas both make delicious chicken soup, but are they really that different?
The Queen Who Saved Her People
The Purim story retold in rhyme.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
Mrs Goldman is so busy knitting hats for everyone else, she has no time to make one for herself. Sophia decides to make one for her.
Welcoming Elijah
A beautiful Passover story.
Anya and the Dragon
A fantasy story for older children set in 10th century Eastern Europe.
Passover Around the World
Find out how Passover is observed in different parts of the world.
Judaism
This high-quality Dorling Kindersley book is full of colourful illustrations and interesting facts about Judaism.
See Inside World Religions
Discover the world’s main religions in this lift-the-flap book.
Links
- Visit the BBC Bitesize Judaism page for lots of information and resources.
- Check your knowledge with this Judaism quiz.
- Try out some Jewish themed craft projects on bimbam.
- Find traditional Hanukah (Chanukah) items in this hidden objects game.
- This page is perfect for researching Rosh Hashanah.
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
