Vocabulary

Look through the vocabulary below.

Jewish identity – еврейство

follow Jewish traditions – следовать еврейским традициям

light candles – зажигать свечи

say blessings – произносить молитвы

keep kosher – соблюдать кашрут

observe Shabbat – соблюдать Шаббат

attend synagogue [ˈsɪn.ə.ɡɑːɡ] – посещать синагогу

read the Torah – читать Тору

wear a kippah – носить кипу

put on Tefillin – надевать тфилин

Plan of the class

1. Questions

Format: pairs

Read the questions and respond to them.

  1. What does being Jewish mean to you?
  2. How did you first learn about your Jewish background?
  3. Do you have any Jewish family traditions?
  4. What is your favorite Jewish holiday or custom? Why?
  5. Do you feel connected to the Jewish community? Why or why not?

  1. How do you express your Jewish identity in daily life?
  2. What is one thing about Judaism that you would like to learn more about?
  3. Do you speak or understand any Hebrew words?
  4. How do you think Jewish identity has changed over time?
  5. If you could ask a Jewish ancestor one question, what would it be?

2. Debate: agree or disagree

Format: groups

In this activity, you discuss a thought-provoking statement about Jewish identity. Decide whether you agree or disagree and be ready to explain why. The goal isn’t to "win" the debate but to explore different viewpoints, listen actively, and express your thoughts clearly in English.

Statements:

  • Jewish identity is more about culture than religion.
  • Knowing Hebrew is essential to being Jewish.
  • A person can feel Jewish even without practicing Jewish traditions.
  • Jewish identity should be passed only through the mother.
  • Interfaith marriage weakens Jewish identity.

Example answers

  1. What does being Jewish mean to you?

Being Jewish means being part of a strong and ancient tradition that has survived for thousands of years. It’s about family, culture, and values like kindness, learning, and resilience. For me, it also means remembering Jewish history and keeping traditions alive, even in modern life.

  1. How did you first learn about your Jewish background?

I first learned about my Jewish background through my family. My grandparents and parents told me stories about their childhood, our family history, and the traditions we follow. I also learned more by celebrating Jewish holidays at home and later reading books and articles about Judaism.

  1. Do you have any Jewish family traditions?

Yes, my family has several Jewish traditions. Every Friday evening, we try to have a Shabbat dinner together, where we light candles, say blessings over the wine and bread, and spend time with each other. During Passover, we have a Seder, read the Haggadah, and eat matzah. On Hanukkah, we light the menorah and enjoy traditional foods like latkes. These traditions help us stay connected to our Jewish identity.

  1. What is your favorite Jewish holiday or custom? Why?

My favorite Jewish holiday is Hanukkah because it has a beautiful story of hope and miracles. I love lighting the menorah every night and watching the candles glow. It’s also a fun holiday with delicious food like latkes and sufganiyot, and I enjoy spending time with family. Even though it’s not the most important Jewish holiday, it has a special atmosphere.

  1. Do you feel connected to the Jewish community? Why or why not?

Yes, I feel connected to the Jewish community because I share traditions, values, and experiences with other Jewish people. Even if I don’t go to synagogue often, I like celebrating holidays, talking to other Jewish people, and learning more about our history. Being part of a community gives me a sense of belonging, no matter where I am in the world.

  1. How do you express your Jewish identity in daily life?

I express my Jewish identity in different ways. I try to follow some Jewish traditions, like lighting candles on Shabbat or celebrating holidays with my family. I also enjoy learning about Jewish history and culture. Sometimes, I talk to friends about Jewish traditions, and I try to live by Jewish values like kindness and respect for others.

  1. What is one thing about Judaism that you would like to learn more about?

I would like to learn more about Jewish history because it is so rich and complex. There are so many interesting stories about how Jewish people lived in different countries and how traditions developed over time. I would also like to understand more about Jewish philosophy and the deeper meaning behind certain customs.

  1. Do you speak or understand any Hebrew words?

Yes, I know some Hebrew words and phrases. I can say basic greetings like Shalom (hello/peace) and Toda (thank you). I also recognize some Hebrew words from prayers and Jewish holidays, like Baruch HaShem (thank God) or Tzedakah (charity). I would love to learn more Hebrew in the future.

  1. How do you think Jewish identity has changed over time?

Jewish identity has changed a lot over time because Jewish people have lived in many different countries and cultures. In the past, most Jewish people were very religious, but today, many people express their Jewish identity in cultural or personal ways. Some focus on traditions and holidays, while others feel connected through history, music, or food. No matter how Jewish identity changes, it still remains strong.

10. If you could ask a Jewish ancestor one question, what would it be?

I would ask my ancestor what life was like for them as a Jewish person in their time. I would love to know about their daily routines, their traditions, and how they stayed connected to their Jewish identity. It would be interesting to hear how Judaism has changed over generations and what they think about the modern world.