Year 5 – Why is the Torah so important for Jewish people? – Sticky Knowledge

About this resource

Year 5 Unit 33, titled ‚”Why is the Torah so important for Jewish people?‚ introduces pupils to the central role of the Torah in Jewish life, identity, and faith. The unit explores the origins, structure, and teachings of the Torah, helping pupils understand its significance as a sacred text that guides Jewish beliefs, traditions, and everyday living.

The unit begins by exploring what the Torah is, how it was revealed according to Jewish tradition, and why it is held in such reverence. Pupils learn that the Torah contains the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, including laws, stories, and teachings that form the foundation of Jewish religious life.

Pupils investigate how Jewish people use the Torah today‚-in synagogue services, education, and home life. They learn about scrolls, Torah readings, and the decorum surrounding its use, including practices such as not touching the scroll with bare hands and using a yad (pointer). The weekly Torah portion (parashah) and its role in the synagogue service are explored.

The unit also highlights how the Torah influences Jewish ethics and behaviour, shaping attitudes towards charity, community, justice, and respect for others. Pupils engage with Jewish stories, commandments (mitzvot), and festivals linked to Torah teachings.

By the end of the unit, pupils gain a deeper appreciation for the value of sacred texts and how they influence believers’ lives. They reflect on their own values and consider why sacred writings matter across different faiths, supporting religious understanding and empathy.