This term, our students have been completing their investigation into the 2nd major religion studied in GCSE Religious Studies – Judaism.

Students have explored the theological foundations of Judaism, the mitzvots of G-D, the 4 main moral principles of Tikkun Olam, Tzedekah, Chesed and Pikuach Nefesh. Students have also discussed the conflicting interpretations of Abraham and Moses’s covenants through the views of Orthodox and Progressive Judaism. Our students explored different views around the messiah and afterlife and how they differ to Christian and Islamic interpretations.

Lastly, our students investigated the practices of Judaism, through the prism of pray and worship at home and the synagogue, the major instruments/items displayed in a synagogue, Kashrut among Orthodox and Progressive Jews, the different Jewish festivals such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover, as well as the rituals of mourning within Judaism.

Overall, our students have enjoyed exploring a religious perspective very few people know and understand the impact Judaism has had on our modern world.