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Being Jewish in 21st Century Australia
2009
29 minutes
Program Synopsis
What does it mean to be Jewish in the 21st Century? Judaism has a rich history and strong traditions that have lasted over time. While the core beliefs of Judaism are shared by all Jewish people, the way it is practiced on a daily basis can vary depending on the society one belongs to and the type of Judaism one follows. Having knowledge of the main beliefs of Judaism and the ways it can be practiced is important, particularly in societies where numerous religious beliefs are followed, and understanding and acceptance are needed for social cohesion.
Related Programs
← Being Christian in 21st Century Australia
← Being Muslim in 21st Century Australia
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Teacher Notes:
Lisa Herd
BA, BTeach (Hons)
Introduction
Judaism has existed as a religion for around 3800 years. It began with Abraham who was the first to believe that there was only one God. Jewish people have an interesting history and rich traditions which makes Judaism a unique religion. Jewish people in the 21st Century share a common history, but may practice their faith in many different ways. There is not a stereotypical ‘Jewish’ person. Some choose to follow more conservative practices while others opt for more contemporary variations of the faith. For Jewish people, their faith provides them with a sense of purpose and gives them guidance on how they should live their daily lives. Being Jewish is also an important part of many people’s identity as helps them to find a sense of belonging in an increasingly individualized world.
Program Rationale
This program explores what it means to be Jewish in the 21st Century. It follows two modern day young Jewish people as they explain their religion and discuss their experience of practising Judaism. The program informs students about the main beliefs and practices of Judaism and attempts to break down misconceptions people may have about the Jewish faith. This program is suitable for Years 8-10 Religious Education. Students are encouraged to see life from another person’s perspective and to develop a sense of belonging to a global community.
Program Timeline
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:03 Jewish beliefs
00:05:44 Rituals and worship
00:12:15 Holy days, holy sites
00:17:37 Holy rituals: becoming bat mitzvah
00:24:39 Judaism through my eyes
00:27:44 Credits
00:28:54 End program
Book Resources
• Keene, Michael (2005). 21st Century Judaism. Hodder, Wayland. London.
• Keene, Michael (1993). Believers in One God: Judaism, Christianity, Islam. Cambridge University Pres
Internet Resources
• judaism.htm
• .au/religion/stories/s796551.htm
• bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/
• judaism.
•
Program Worksheet
Before the Program
1. Locate Palestine and Israel on a world map.
2. List all the things you already know about Judaism.
3. Research the story of Abraham. Write a ½ page summary explaining the story, below.
4. Approximately how many Jews are there in your country?
During the Program
1. Where are Jewish religious services held?
2. What time do morning prayers begin at Anton’s school?
3. For how many years has Judaism existed as a religion?
4. How many gods did Abraham believe in?
5. What are mitzvoth?
6. What did Moses do?
7. What is the Torah?
8. What is a Jewish religious leader called?
9. When did Abraham leave the area now known as Iraq to settle in the area now known as Palestine or Israel?
10. What does Shabbat mean?
11. How long does Shabbat last for?
12. What is the purpose of blowing the ram’s horn?
13. What is Yom Kippur?
14. What does the festival of Hanukkah celebrate?
15. Which city did King David pronounce the capital for the Jews?
16. What is the Western Wall?
17. What does Bat Mitzvah mean?
After the Program
1. Have another look at the list you made of what you already new about Judaism before viewing the program. What are some new facts you learnt about Judaism from watching this program?
2. Research two famous people who are Jewish. Write a summary of the life and beliefs of each person.
Famous Person 1
Famous Person 2
3. Select one of the Jewish festivals / traditions to research. In your research, you need to cover the following topics.
← What is the festival / tradition celebrating or acknowledging?
← At what time of the year does the festival / tradition take place and how long does it last for?
← What sacred symbols are associated with this festival / tradition?
← Are there any other significant features or rituals for this festival / tradition?
Suggested Student Responses
During the Program
1. Where are Jewish religious services held?
A synagogue
2. What time do morning prayers begin at Anton’s school?
7.15am
3. For how many years has Judaism existed as a religion?
3800 years
4. How many gods did Abraham believe in?
1
5. What are mitzvoth?
Commandments
6. What did Moses do?
He led their ancestors, the Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
7. What is the Torah?
Jewish Holy Scriptures
8. What is a Jewish religious leader called?
A Rabbi
9. When did Abraham leave the area now known as Iraq to settle in the area now known as Palestine or Israel?
1800BC
10. What does Shabbat mean?
‘To rest’
11. How long does Shabbat last for?
From sundown on Friday to nightfall on Saturday
12. What is the purpose of blowing the ram’s horn?
It reminds people that change is coming – the new year.
13. What is Yom Kippur?
The Day of Atonement, to say sorry for sins
14. What does the festival of Hanukkah celebrate?
It is a celebration of Jews being free to practice their religion and staying strong in the face of persecution.
15. Which city did King David pronounce the capital for the Jews?
Jerusalem
16. What is the Western Wall?
The remains of a Temple built by King David’s son, Solomon, around 3000 years ago.
17. What does Bat Mitzvah mean?
Daughter of the Commandments
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