Objective: Students will understand the basic beliefs and practices of Jewish worship.

Material: Visuals of synagogues, pictures of Jewish prayer leaders, Jewish prayer books (siddur), posts/information about Jewish prayer services/Shabbat (Sabbath), and handouts with definitions for main key words.

Activity:

1. Introduction (5-10 minutes): Show students visuals of synagogues and discuss what kind of building it is, what happens there and why it is important to Jewish people. Briefly discuss the key idea of prayer in Judaism and how prayer services are structured.

2. Discussion (5-10 minutes): Show the students pictures of the prayer leaders at synagogues. Discuss the significance of their roles within the worship service and how they help lead the prayers. Ask students to think of a leader in their own faith tradition who has helped them in religious practice.

3. Activity (15 minutes): Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a handout defining the following key words: Shabbat (Sabbath), Siddur (Jewish prayer book), Hallel (A type of Jewish prayer), and Havdalah (A Jewish blessing at the end of the Sabbath). Ask them to discuss the meanings of these terms and how they relate to Jewish worship.

4. Activity (20 minutes): Invite the students to explore different websites and find information about the structure, order, and important elements of the Shabbat prayer service. Ask students to present their findings.

5. Conclusion (5-10 minutes): Ask students to recap everything they have learned about Jewish worship. Make sure to include the importance of prayer and the various roles of prayer leaders.