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      Rosh Hashanah: diverse Jewish celebrations

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe different ways Rosh Hashanah is celebrated and the symbolism of some traditions.

      Key learning points

      1. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish new year.
      2. Customs and celebrations associated with Rosh Hashanah vary among Jewish communities.
      3. Sweet foods, such apples and pomegranates, are eaten during Rosh Hashanah symbolising a sweet new year.
      4. We can use data and interviews to understand Rosh Hashanah better.

      Keywords

      • Challah - sweet bread baked in a circular shape eaten at Rosh Hashanah

      • Shana Tovah - traditional greeting used at Rosh Hashanah

      • Rosh Hashanah - festival to mark the begining of the Jewish New Year

      • Resolution - a firm decision to do or not do something

      Common misconception

      All Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah in the same way.

      Jews come from different backgrounds and have different cultural traditions which are marked at Rosh Hashanah.

      Teacher tip

      Many Jewish people do not use the full name for God and would prefer this holy name written as G_d. In this unit we follow this convention and you may wish to point this out to pupils. Discuss the concept of making resolutions and how it feels when you fail or fall short.

      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.
      Many Jews worship in a ...

      Correct Answer: synagogue, Synagogue

      Q2.
      Most Jews believe God created a __________ with Abraham

      commandment
      Correct answer: covenant
      Torah

      Q3.
      Jews which believe it is possible to interpret the Torah in relation to modern lifestyles are known as ...

      orthodox
      Correct answer: progressive
      secular

      Q4.
      During Pesach, many Jews will eat a symbolic meal known as a ...

      Passover meal
      Shabbat meal
      Correct answer: seder meal

      Q5.
      Whic of these is a way that vegan Jews may adap the seder meal whilst keeping the symbolism?

      Correct answer: using a beetroot to represent the lamb shank
      using an orange to replace the lamb shannk
      having a cup of water to represent Miriam

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is challah?

      a traditional greeting
      a huge event with lots of fireworks and street parties
      Correct answer: a sweet bread baked in a circular shape

      Q2.
      Rosh Hashanah marks the __________ of the Jewish new year.

      end
      Correct answer: beginning
      middle

      Q3.
      What foods are eaten to symbolise a sweet new year?

      Correct answer: apples
      Correct answer: pomegranates
      onions

      Q4.
      Many foods, such as challah, are round. This symbolises

      Correct answer: they cycle of life
      the commandments
      the story of Adam and Eve
      Correct answer: the cycle of the year

      Q5.
      What is a new year resolution?

      a party that takes place on January 1st
      Correct answer: a promise to make changes in your life
      a big firework display

      Q6.
      At Rosh Hashanah Jews may wish each other which greeting in Hebrew?

      Shabbat Shalom
      Correct answer: Shana Tovah
      Chag Sameach

      To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Rosh Hashanah: diverse Jewish celebrations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...