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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can describe some similarities and differences between different types of synagogues.

Key learning points

  1. Some synagogues are purpose built and some have been changed into synagogues.
  2. All synagogues will have an ark to house Torah scrolls.
  3. There are similarities and differences between synagogues. However, they are all places for the Jewish community.

Keywords

  • Ark - a place where the Torah scrolls are kept

  • Torah - the sacred text for Jews

  • Worship - showing respect, love or devotion for something or someone

  • Synagogue - a place of worship and community for Jews

Common misconception

There is only one type of synagogue.

Synagogues come in different shapes and sizes.

Teacher tip

Visit different synagogues or share images of different synagogues in the UK and discuss the similarities and differences, including the size, design or sacred parts. Invite speakers to share their experiences of visiting different synagogues.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

4 Questions

Q1.
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 a Hebrew school

Q2.
Which of these is a coming of age celebration for Jewish boys and girls?

Shabbat
Correct answer: Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Rosh Hashanah

Q3.
What is the Jewish New Year called?

Shabbat
Correct answer: Rosh Hashanah
Diwali

Q4.
What is the sacred text for Jews?

a Bible
a Qur'an
Correct answer: a Torah scroll

4 Questions

Q1.
What is something you might find in every synagogue?

Correct answer: a copy of the Torah
a separate place for men and women to sit
a cross

Q2.
Torah scrolls are kept in the ...

Correct Answer: ark, Ark

Q3.
Match the words with the description.

Correct Answer:synagogue,a place where Jews worship

a place where Jews worship

Correct Answer:Torah,the sacred book for Jews

the sacred book for Jews

Correct Answer:worship,love or respect for someone or something

love or respect for someone or something

Q4.
Which of these is true about synagogues?

They are always built as a synagogue.
They were always another building first.
Correct answer: They are sometimes built as a synagogue and sometimes changed into one.

To help you plan your 1 religious education lesson on: How synagogues differ, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...