Judaism Lesson Plans

Students examine the interrelationships between Judaism and Islam. They view and discuss the "Heritage: Civilization and the Jews" DVD-ROM, conduct Internet research, complete handouts, and develop a research presentation.

Sixth graders explore religions of the world, In this ancient civilizations lesson plan, 6th graders create a Venn diagram or other graphic organizer that shows the origins, customs, writings, and beliefs of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Students then compose a paragraph showing comparisons and contrasts choosing 2 of the religions.

Students work together in groups to research either Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Once the research is complete, they share their information with the other groups in the class. They complete a worksheet on rituals and holidays in each religion to end the lesson.

Students explore and analyze the history of Judaism with all its ups and downs throughout history as well as its traditions and cultures that have survived a lifetime of ridicule and controversy. They relate the feeling that the majority of Jews have felt over time, to their own feelings and beliefs.

Students brainstorm what they know about Judaism, participate in question and answer session about Judaism and its relation to World War II with guest speaker of Jewish faith, and write journal responses about their feelings on persecution of Jews during World War II.

Students engage in a study of some of the different major world religions. They focus upon monotheism with Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Students look intently at a video about the city of Jerusalem. They compare and contrast the holy sites of the city.

Students work in teams to establish the viewpoint of Biblical characters and debate aspects of the Hellenistic view versus the views of the Christian and Jewish people.  In this Hellenism and Judaism instructional activity, students assume the roles of Paul, Silas, a Christian Greek Gentile, a Judaizer, a Sadducee, and James.  Students work together to answer given questions from the viewpoint of their character.

Students investigate the religion of Judaism by reviewing religious vocabulary words.  In this religious history lesson, students discover the differences between Judaism and Christianity by reading the text.  Students create art projects based on Judaism principles as well as define many Jewish vocabulary terms.

Students begin reading the graphic novel "Maus". Using the Internet, they discover fundamental differences between Judaism and Christianity. Using excerpts from the novel, they identify animal metaphors used for nationalities and ethnic groups. They state facts and discuss situations in the novel.

Students analyze changing and competing interpretations of issues, events, and developments throughout world history. They brainstorm ideas about what they think about Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Animism, Judaism, or Christianity.