New
New
Year 5
How Jews mark Purim today
I can describe different ways Purim is celebrated and the symbolism of some traditions.
New
New
Year 5
How Jews mark Purim today
I can describe different ways Purim is celebrated and the symbolism of some traditions.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- During Purim the story of Esther is read at the synagogue.
- There are different local customs connected to Purim such as acting out the story and wearing fancy dress.
- Special foods are eaten including symbolic pastries.
- The festival reminds Jews of God's power to save them and overcome evil.
- It is traditional to give to charity and to give gifts of food.
Keywords
Hamantaschen - triangular pastries
Purim - a festival that commemorates the saving of the ancient Jewish community in Persia
Mitzvah - a good deed
Charity - giving help to people in need
Common misconception
All festivals are solemn.
In this festival, Jewish children act, shout, eat and dress up.
Pupils will benefit from meeting members of the Jewish community so that they can recognise the diverse ways in which families and individuals celebrate and give meaning to the story of Esther.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Purim is ...
a festival to mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year.
a ram’s horn that is blown like a trumpet.
Q2.
The qualities and characteristics of a person or group is ...
acceptance
belonging
Q3.
Challah is ...
a huge event with lots of fireworks and street parties
a traditional greeting
Q4.
What foods are eaten to symbolise a sweet new year?
bananas
potatoes
Q5.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated ...
in the same way
on the same day
Q6.
At Rosh Hashanah Jews may use the Hebrew greeting ...
Shabbat Shalom
Chag Sameach
Exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.
What is mitzvah?
a promise
a warning
Q2.
When the story of Esther is read at the synagogue, which part is the loudest?
when the king marries Esther
when Mordecai would not bow before Haman
Q3.
The festival of Purim reminds Jews of ...
the beginning of the Jewish New Year.
the Day of Atonement.
Q4.
When are triangular pastries (hamantaschen) eaten?
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur