Happy Hanukkah!

Teacher notes

This lesson explores the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah and is suitable for KS2 or KS3+ but could also be shared with KS1, leaving out the final task. It is clearly linked to both the RE curriculum and PSHE, and also addresses aspects of community cohesion in LA, for example the importance of communities supporting one another. For younger learners, we suggest splitting the lesson into 2 parts so that you can examine the article in the final task in more detail. If you decide to leave it as it stands, we suggest asking pupils to read one section each and feedback on their understanding to the rest of the class. Mackie’s family are Jewish and live in LA. They practise Judaism within the Reformed tradition. We explore ideas about family, celebration, rituals and traditions within this branch of Judaism; and observe their Hanukkah celebrations. This can link to your locally agreed SACRE syllabus for Religious Education. For older students of RE, this lesson can inform a unit on Jewish beliefs and practices or festivals/holy days. Searching for 'Judaism' on the search page in teacher.lyfta.com will also locate other Jewish and inter-faith stories you might like to explore. **National Curriculum objectives:** RE and PSHE. KS2 RE - To understand the ways that one family practises Hanukkah within the reformed Jewish faith. - To reflect on the ways faith is expressed and practised in Judaism. KS3/4 RE: - To know and understand some of the important practices from Hanukkah - To reflect on the ways faith can be expressed and practised in Judaism. KS1 PSHE R3. about different types of families including those that may be different from their own. KS2 PSHE H25. about personal identity; what contributes to who we are (e.g. ethnicity, family, gender, faith, culture, hobbies, likes/dislikes) R8. to recognise other shared characteristics of healthy family life, including commitment, care, spending time together; being there for each other in times of difficulty R32. about respecting the differences and similarities between people and recognising what they have in common with others L6. about the different groups that make up their community; what living in a community means L7. to value the different contributions that people and groups make to the community L8. about diversity: what it means; the benefits of living in a diverse community; about valuing diversity within communities. KS3 PSHE R3. about the similarities, differences and diversity among people of different race, culture, ability, sex, gender identity, age and sexual orientation.