Yom Kippur Rules

National Curriculum Alignment

Subject: Religious Education
Year group: 3 (ages 7-8)
Unit: Yom Kippur Insights (Lesson 2 of 3)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 31 pupils

Relevant National Curriculum Links:

• Religious Education Programme of Study (England):
  • Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
  • Understanding belief systems and practices in different religions.
  • Pupils should learn about key religious celebrations and what they mean for believers (e.g., Yom Kippur and its significance).
  • Recognising diversity in religious practice within communities, showing respect and understanding.
• Learning Objectives (from Agreed Syllabus expectations for RE in KS2):
  • Identify key features and rules associated with Yom Kippur.
  • Explain why these rules are important to Jewish people.
  • Compare how observance can differ across synagogues and communities.
  • Express ideas about rules and customs sensitively and thoughtfully.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

1. Recall the five main rules observed during Yom Kippur.
2. Discuss reasons why these rules are important in Jewish tradition.
3. Explore how different synagogues might vary in their observance of Yom Kippur rules.
4. Reflect on diversity within a faith community and demonstrate respect for different practices.

---

Resources Needed

• Large printed cards describing each of the five rules of Yom Kippur (e.g., fasting, no work, no wearing leather shoes, no washing or bathing, no using lotions or perfumes).
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Sticky notes in two colours (for ‘Agree’ / ‘Interesting’ comments).
• Printed pictures or artefacts related to Yom Kippur practices (optional).
• Prepared group discussion sheets with prompts.
• Timer or stopwatch.
• Display board or wall space for sticky notes.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Starter (5 minutes)

• Recap: Briefly remind pupils about Yom Kippur from the previous lesson—its significance as a day for reflection and forgiveness in the Jewish religion.
• Pose the question aloud: “What do you remember about how Jewish people prepare for and observe Yom Kippur?”
• Use a quick ‘Think-Pair-Share’ technique: Pupils think individually, then discuss their ideas with a partner, and share 1 or 2 thoughts with the class.

2. Introduction to the Five Rules (10 minutes)

• Introduce the five key rules that many Jewish people follow on Yom Kippur:
  1. Fasting (no eating or drinking)
  2. No work (refraining from work or regular activities)
  3. No wearing leather shoes
  4. No washing or bathing
  5. No using lotions or perfumes
• Display each rule clearly on cards and briefly explain its meaning in simple terms. Use artefacts or pictures for visual reinforcement (e.g., empty plate for fasting).
• Engage pupils by asking: “Why do you think these rules might be important for Jewish people on Yom Kippur?”

3. Group Activity: Exploring Variation (20 minutes)

• Divide the class into five groups (6-7 pupils per group). Assign each group one rule to focus on.
• Each group is given a sheet with prompts to discuss such as:
  • How strictly do you think this rule is followed in different synagogues?
  • Do all Jewish people follow this the exact same way? Why might there be differences?
  • Can you think of reasons why rules might change or be adapted?
• Encourage pupils to think about diversity within Jewish communities (Orthodox, Reform, Liberal, etc.) and why practices sometimes vary.
• Groups record their ideas and examples on their sheet.
• After discussion, groups stick a summary post-it on the board under their rule with a key point they’ve agreed on.
• The teacher circulates, guiding and challenging pupils to think beyond ‘black or white’ answers.

4. Whole Class Sharing and Reflection (7 minutes)

• Invite each group to briefly share their main thoughts to the class.
• While groups speak, classmates can write quick comments or questions on sticky notes (two colours: one for ‘Agreement’ and one for ‘Interesting idea’).
• Facilitate a brief conversation on how understanding different practices helps us respect others and learn about the rich diversity of a single faith.

5. Plenary: Personal Reflection (3 minutes)

• Ask pupils to write one sentence or draw a small picture describing what they found most interesting or surprising about the rules of Yom Kippur or about how they are observed differently.
• Collect these quickly on the desk or peg them on a ‘Reflection Wall’ for review in next lesson.

---

Assessment for Learning

• Formative: Teacher observes group discussions to assess understanding and ability to explain and reflect on religious practices.
• Peer feedback: Use of sticky notes during sharing enables pupils to engage thoughtfully with one another’s ideas.
• Reflection outputs: Personal sentence or drawing gives insight into individual pupil’s grasp and emotional response to the topic.

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide word banks and visual prompts for pupils who need additional support with vocabulary.
• Use mixed-ability groupings to provide peer support.
• Challenge more able pupils with extension questions (e.g., "How might someone feel if their synagogue practices differ from their family’s?").
• Ensure examples reflect a range of Jewish traditions respectfully to foster inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

---

Potential Next Steps (Lesson 3 preview)

• Lesson 3 will explore the prayers and synagogue rituals of Yom Kippur, linking rules to worship practice. Pupils will create a simple prayer or reflection based on what they have learned.

---

By using discussion, collaboration, and reflection grounded in the National Curriculum requirements, this lesson not only develops knowledge of Yom Kippur but encourages empathy and respect for religious diversity in an age-appropriate way.