Year 1 – Who is Jewish and how do they live? Knowledge Organiser

About this resource

The Year 1 Unit 9 lesson plan, ‚”Who Is Jewish and How Do Jewish People Live?‚ offers pupils an engaging introduction to Judaism and Jewish life. Designed for Key Stage 1 learners, this unit introduces children to some of the core beliefs, practices, and symbols of the Jewish faith in an accessible and meaningful way.

Through storytelling, visual resources, and hands-on activities, children learn about key elements of Jewish identity, such as Shabbat (Sabbath), the Torah, mezuzah, and synagogue worship. The unit explores how Jewish people celebrate, pray, and live out their faith at home and in the community, offering insights into family traditions, ritual objects, and festivals such as Chanukah and Passover.

The lessons focus on helping pupils understand how Jewish beliefs influence daily life, such as the importance of rest and family time during Shabbat, and how the Shema expresses trust in one God. Pupils explore Jewish stories from the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), learning what they mean to believers and how they shape behaviour and identity.

Activities in the unit encourages age reflection, comparison, and curiosity. Pupils are invited to think about special times, rules, community, and belonging, both in Judaism and in their own lives. This supports the development of SMSC skills and helps build religious literacy and respect for diversity.

By the end of the unit, children gain a foundational understanding of Jewish faith and practice, helping them appreciate what it means to be Jewish and how religious people express their beliefs through their actions and traditions.