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      Belonging to an Orthodox synagogue

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe how Jews might belong to an Orthodox synagogue.

      Key learning points

      1. Many Jews belong to a synagogue.
      2. Special events and prayers are held in an Orthodox synagogue.
      3. Jews show they belong to the Orthodox synagogue in different ways.

      Keywords

      • Synagogue - a place of worship for Jews

      • Shabbat - a weekly day of rest and prayer for Jews

      • Kippah - a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jewish males

      • Tallit - a Jewish prayer shawl worn during different services and celebrations

      Common misconception

      All Jews wear a prayer shawl/tallit.

      Jewish men wear a prayer shawl/tallit after the age of 13.

      Teacher tip

      You might want to visit an Orthodox synagogue to learn about different events and prayers or invite an Orthodox Jew to talk about belonging to their synagogue.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each keyword to the correct description.

      Correct Answer:minaret,a tower from where the Muslim call to prayer is often made

      a tower from where the Muslim call to prayer is often made

      Correct Answer:dome,a rounded, large roof on top of a mosque

      a rounded, large roof on top of a mosque

      Correct Answer:mihrab,a niche set into the wall to indicate the direction of Makkah

      a niche set into the wall to indicate the direction of Makkah

      Q2.
      What inside features do all mosques have?

      a library
      Correct answer: a minbar
      Correct answer: a mihrab
      a door
      Correct answer: a prayer area

      Q3.
      Why do Jews go to the synagogue?

      Correct answer: to be together and pray
      to read their favourite books
      to play with their friends

      Q4.
      What do Jews light on Friday nights to welcome Shabbat?

      Correct answer: candles
      fireworks
      fairy lights

      Q5.
      On which day do Jews go to the synagogue for Shabbat?

      Monday
      Wednesday
      Correct answer: Saturday

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each keyword to the correct description.

      Correct Answer:Torah scroll,a sacred text in Jewish religion

      a sacred text in Jewish religion

      Correct Answer:rabbi,a teacher or leader in the synagogue

      a teacher or leader in the synagogue

      Correct Answer:Shabbat,a special day of rest and prayer

      a special day of rest and prayer

      Q2.
      What do Jews do to show they belong to a synagogue community?

      Correct answer: attend services to pray together
      attend a Jummah prayer
      Correct answer: attend Hebrew school
      attend a reading club

      Q3.
      What is the coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys and girls called?

      Correct answer: Bar/Bat Mitzvah
      Shabbat
      Rosh Hashanah

      Q4.
      What is the Jewish New Year called?

      Eid
      Correct answer: Rosh Hashanah
      Shabbat

      Q5.
      Match each keyword to the correct description.

      Correct Answer:kippah,a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jewish men

      a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jewish men

      Correct Answer:tallit,a prayer shawl used to cover during special prayers

      a prayer shawl used to cover during special prayers

      Correct Answer:service,an event or celebration held in a place of worship

      an event or celebration held in a place of worship


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