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Religious Education KS2

KS2 RE: Judaism Beliefs and Practices Guide

Core Jewish beliefs, the Torah and key practices for KS2 Religious Education.

Core beliefs

Jews believe in one God who made a covenant (special agreement) with the Jewish people, and that following God's laws is central to living a good life.

The Torah

The Torah is the most important Jewish text, containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It is handwritten on a scroll and treated with great care and respect in the synagogue.

Worship and practices

Jews worship in a synagogue, often on Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset), which involves prayer, rest and time with family.

Key festivals

Passover (Pesach) remembers the escape of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Hanukkah, the festival of lights, remembers the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the Torah with the whole Bible — it is specifically the first five books.
  • Getting Shabbat's timing wrong — it runs sunset to sunset, not a full calendar day.
  • Mixing up Passover and Hanukkah and what each commemorates.
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