Judaism for kids

Judaism for kids in Primary Learning. Homework help with what is Judaism, how Jew's worship and what there holy festivals and traditions are.

What is Judaism?

Judaism is one of the oldest religions, at least 4,000 years old. Judaism teaches Jews what is right and wrong and how people should live together. Jews believe in one God that created the world who made a covenant, an agreement, with Abraham. The agreement was that God would give the land of Israel to Abraham's descendants (family after him), in return that the Jews would keep to God's rules and live holy lives.

Judaism for kids
Celebrations, sacred spaces, basic beliefs and resources on Judaism.

World Religions for kids
More information on Judaism and their way of life and beliefs.

Jewish traditions

The Star of David - This is the symbol for Judaism. It represents the shape of King David's shield.

Menorah - A type of candlestick which holds seven candles. It is never lit and is a symbol of the Jewish people

Kippah - A small round cap worn by Jews when they pray. Some Jews were this all the time.

Kosher food - This is what Jews eat. They do not eat shellfish and pork. They also do not eat dairy foods at the same time as meat.

Shabbat - The seventh day of the week, a day of rest. it comes from the bible that God rested from creating the universe on the seventh day of that first week, so Jews rest from work on the Sabbath.

Mezuzah - Fixed to a doorpost in the house, the mezuzah contains part of the hold Shema prayer. Jews touch this every time they enter or leave the house.

The holy book

The Hebrew Bible is the holiest book for Jews. The Hebrew Bible contains the Torah, the Five Books of Moses. It is handwritten on scrolls in Hebrew. It teaches the history, traditions and how to lead a Jewish life. When the book gets old it is buried as a sign of respect.

Worship

Jews worship in once a week in a synagogue. A rabbi is someone who has studied Jewish history and is like a teacher. They read from the Torah at the synagogue. Jews also sing songs and pray.

The seventh day of the week is marked as a day of rest. This is called Shabbat. It comes from the bible that God rested from creating the universe on the seventh day of that first week, so Jews rest from work on the Sabbath. It lasts from Friday evening to Saturday night. Jews pray at Shabbat and have a ceremony called Havdalah at the end of it.

Bitesize - Judaism
All about Judaism. Learner guides and class clips.

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Jewish festivals

Hanukkah is the story of when the Jews won back the temple in Jerusalem. When it was won back from their enemies the Jews lit the lamp inside but there was only enough oil for one day. The lamp kept burning for eight days which Jews believe was a miracle from God. Today Jews still light candles and say prayers. Jews eat fried potato pancakes cooked in oil as oil reminds them of the oil from the lamp that did not burn out.
24th December 2016 - 1st January 2016

Pesach (Passover) marks the time Jews escaped from slavery in Egypt. Jews get together and have a big meal.
10th April 2017 - 18th April 2017

Ten Days of Repentance is when Jews look back over the year and say sorry for the bad things that they may have done. It starts with Rosh Hashanah which is the beginning of the Jewish year and the last day is called Yom Kippur.
21st September 2017 - 30th September 2017

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