How Jews mark Purim today
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe different ways Purim is celebrated and the symbolism of some traditions.
Key learning points
- During Purim the story of Esther is read at the synagogue.
- There are different local customs connected to Purim such as acting out the story and wearing fancy dress.
- Special foods are eaten including symbolic pastries.
- The festival reminds Jews of God's power to save them and overcome evil.
- It is traditional to give to charity and to give gifts of food.
Keywords
Hamantaschen - triangular pastries
Purim - a festival that commemorates the saving of the ancient Jewish community in Persia
Mitzvah - a good deed
Charity - giving help to people in need
Common misconception
All festivals are solemn.
In this festival, Jewish children act, shout, eat and dress up.
Teacher tip
Pupils will benefit from meeting members of the Jewish community so that they can recognise the diverse ways in which families and individuals celebrate and give meaning to the story of Esther.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Purim is ...
Q2.The qualities and characteristics of a person or group is ...
Q3.Challah is ...
Q4.What foods are eaten to symbolise a sweet new year?
Q5.Rosh Hashanah is celebrated ...
Q6.At Rosh Hashanah Jews may use the Hebrew greeting ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is mitzvah?
Q2.When the story of Esther is read at the synagogue, which part is the loudest?
Q3.The festival of Purim reminds Jews of ...
Q4.When are triangular pastries (hamantaschen) eaten?
To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: How Jews mark Purim today, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: How Jews mark Purim today, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 religious education lessons from the Jews: how does remembering maintain Jewish identity? unit, dive into the full primary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.