Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the study of Judaism. They will create a spider map of 3-5 terms at the teacher's discretion. Each cell will contain a term, the definition, and an illustration that depicts the meaning. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Vocabulary for Judaism
Ark of the Covenant: the chest containing the Ten Commandments, written on stone tablets, that the Hebrews carried with them during their wanderings after their flight from Egypt.
covenant: an agreement or promise.
descendant: a daughter or son, granddaughter or grandson, and so on.
Diaspora: communities of Jews living outside of their ancient homeland.
Exodus: the escape of the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery.
gentile: non-Jewish.
menorah: The menorah is a candelabra that is a symbol of Judaism and is used in Jewish worship, especially one with eight branches and a central candle holder that is used at Hanukkah. The menorah is described in the Bible as the seven-lamp ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold and used in the tabernacle set up by Moses and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. Fresh olive oil was burned daily. It is said to symbolize the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses.
mezuzah: a parchment inscribed with religious texts and attached in a case to the doorpost of a Jewish house as a sign of faith.
mitzvah: A Mitzvah is a precept or commandment as well as a good deed done from religious duty. These good deeds are intended to help one's fellow neighbor and spread peace and kindness. An example of a mitzvah is visiting the sick or elderly.
monotheism: the belief that there is only one God.
plague: a terrible disaster affecting many people and thought to be sent by God as punishment.
prophet: a person who speaks or interprets for God to other people.
rabbi: a religious teacher who studies and teaches others about Jewish law.
Sabbath: The seventh day of the week to be used for rest and worship, according to one of the Ten Commandments.
sacrifice: a gift of an animal for slaughter as a way to honor gods.
synagogue: a place of Jewish worship.
Talmud: a text finished around 600 CE that is a collection of oral teachings, debates, and commentaries about the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and Jewish law.
Ten Commandments: The ten laws said to be given to Moses by God.
Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew bible that tells of the origins of Judaism. (These are also the first five books of the Christian Old Testament)
yarmulke or kippah: A head covering or skullcap that is a sign of respect for God. Orthodox Jewish men always cover their heads by wearing one while Liberal or Reform Jews see the covering of the head as optional. The Hebrew word is kippah while the Yiddish word is yarmulke.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that illustrates and defines key vocabulary relating to Judaism.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How To Discuss Vocabulary Specific to Judaism with Students
Give a Brief Overview
Give a brief introduction to Judaism, its background, and its relevance. Students will be better able to understand the meaning and use of specific phrases if they are clear on the background. Assess the prior knowledge of students and build the lecture based on the already existing knowledge.
List Down the Vocabulary
Make a list of the main words associated with Judaism. Include phrases like Passover, mitzvah, Torah, synagogue, rabbi, and other pertinent terminology. Teachers can prepare this list beforehand so students are already aware of the basic terminology before getting started on the topic. Students can also include more words in the list as they make progress.
Include Reading Resources
Give readings or passages from Judaism-related books, articles, or tales as homework. Students should be asked to point out and analyze any Jewish-specific terms used in the book. Students can also watch some interesting documentaries that utilize these vocabulary words to provide informative videos on Judaism and the lifestyle of followers.
Utilize Multimodal Learning
Include a variety of teaching methods, including visual aids, audio materials, and hands-on exercises. Use interactive internet tools or games, for instance, to practice vocabulary. Teachers can look for more collaborative and engaging ways to help students learn and reinforce the concepts. For instance, vocabulary flashcards, short quizzes, or matching the word to the picture.
Practice and Reinforce
Encourage the use of vocabulary words in discussions about Judaism so that the students are able to retain the information. Teachers can repeatedly use these terms in all lectures related to Judaism or other lectures connected to religions to reinforce the terms and concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judaism Vocabulary
What does a synagogue do?
Jewish houses of prayer and meeting places are called synagogues. It acts as a focal point for community activities, research, and prayer. In Christianity or Islam, it would be akin to a church or mosque.
Who is a Rabbi?
Jewish religious authority and instructor known as a rabbi. Rabbis are experts in Jewish tradition, law, and ethics. In addition to leading services, they frequently give spiritual counseling and advice on problems of faith. They are also known as spiritual leaders and provide guidance based on Jewish principles and religious conduct.
What is meant by kosher food?
When food is prepared and consumed in conformity with Jewish dietary restrictions, it is referred to as being "kosher." It describes what foods are acceptable as well as how they should be cooked and consumed.
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