GCSE Religious Studies podcasts - Judaism

Lauren: Hello and welcome to the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast. I’m Lauren Layfield. I’m a TV and radio presenter, and I’m your host for this series all about Judaism.

We’ll be exploring the beliefs and practices you may come across as part of your GCSE, and in this episode, we’re looking at how God is understood within Judaism. But I cannot do it alone, so joining me is my brilliant co-host. Rabbi Anna Wolfson’s with us. Hi Anna!

Anna: Hi Lauren, really happy to be here!

Lauren: Good. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself Anna?

Anna: Sure. I am a Rabbi which means I lead Jewish services, do community development, and teach others about Judaism. I work at a synagogue in London, and I speak about Judaism every single day. It’s something I’m really passionate about.

Lauren: We are so excited to learn a little bit more today but before we dig in, it's a really good idea to grab a pen, some paper, or maybe your notes app, because throughout the episode we’ll highlight key information that you might want to jot down.

Anna: And stay listening to the end, because there’ll be a quick quiz.

Lauren: OK just to start off then Anna, can you give us a bit of background on Judaism?

Anna: Of course! Judaism is one of the oldest major religions, and it was started by the ancient Hebrew people - the Israelites. It is estimated that there are around 15 to 16 million Jewish people worldwide today.

Lauren: And do all those that follow the religion do so in the same way?

Anna: No, there are various denominations in Judaism which practise their religion differently. During this series we’ll mostly be looking at how Orthodox, Reform, and Liberal Jews practise their faith, however there are other denominations too.

In the UK and Ireland, Liberal and Reform Judaism now tend to come under the same movement known as Progressive Judaism. However, we will be referring to them separately throughout this series. The different denominations tend to believe the same things about God, but the difference is how they apply these beliefs to their lives.

Lauren: Anna, there are some beliefs about God which are central to Jewish life, isn’t that right?

Anna: Yes, that’s correct. One really key belief to understand is ‘monotheism’. This is the belief that there is only one God, and that God is the only being who should be worshiped and praised.

Lauren: Mono means one, so monotheism means one God. Is that right?

Anna: Exactly. That’s a great way to remember it, Lauren. Monotheism is really central to Jewish worship.

Anna: There's a prayer that shows us the idea of one God. It's called the Shema and many Jews say it in the morning and evening. You can find it in the Torah, a central, sacred text in Judaism, in Deuteronomy, Chapter 6, Verse 4. It goes like this.

“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

On many Jewish homes, you might even find a mezuzah on the doorpost. This is a small case or container that holds a scroll with passages from the Shema inside, serving as a reminder of the oneness of God and God's presence.

Lauren: So, monotheism is important for Jewish people not just in prayer, but within the home as well?

Anna: Precisely, and monotheism is a key word for this topic.

Lauren: There's loads more information on the Bitesize website. All you need to do is search for Bitesize GCSE Judaism. Anna, you mentioned earlier that not all Jewish people practise their beliefs about God in the same way?

Anna: That's right Lauren. The main differences are due to how each denomination interprets the scriptures and follows Jewish laws.

Lauren: OK, so tell us some more about some of the main denominations and how they approach practising Judaism.

Anna: The ones we will discuss are Orthodox, Reform and Liberal. Orthodox Jews follow the laws within Torah, which is the sacred book, very literally as they believe they were given directly from God to Moses at Mount Sinai. They follow traditional Jewish law, known as ‘halakhah’, strictly, including both the biblical commandments and rabbinic interpretation. Orthodox Judaism maintains traditional practices in prayer, study, dietary laws, Shabbat observance, and daily life.

Lauren: It sounds so interesting. What can you tell us then about Reform Judaism?

Anna: Reform Jews also value the Torah but often interpret it differently. They believe that even though the laws were written thousands of years ago, they can now be adapted for modern life.

Lauren: OK and then how do Liberal Jews approach religion?

Anna: For Liberal Jews, just like for Reform Jews, there’s a focus on living out Jewish values as opposed to exactly following all of the traditional laws.

Lauren: And so what does that mean for you?

Anna: As a rabbi, part of my job is enabling people to understand how the ancient text is relevant to our lives today so they can make informed choices on their Jewish practice.

Lauren: So if I’m following correctly, each denomination shares the belief in one God but it’s the practice that differs?

Anna: Exactly.

Lauren: Anna please could you tell us about some of the key characteristics of God for Jewish people?

Anna: Of course! Let’s take a look at some of God’s ‘divine attributes’. There are four ‘omnis’ that Judaism teaches about God. Omni means ‘in all ways’. Each of these four divine attributes start with 'omni'. They are:

• God is Omnipotent, which means all-powerful
• God is Omniscient, which means all-knowing
• God is Omnipresent, meaning God is everywhere at all times
• and God is Omnibenevolent, which means all-loving.

Lauren: So within Judaism, is God understood to have all of these qualities?

Anna: Exactly Lauren! And as we’ve said, there is only one God, so monotheism is key.

Lauren: Anna, can you share an example about how these beliefs about God are embedded into everyday Jewish life?

Anna: Sure. Let's talk about food! Kashrut are laws around what food Jewish people can and can’t eat, also known as kosher food laws. We’ll talk about these in more detail in our episode on Jewish traditions, but observing these laws strengthens our relationship with God.

Because God is omnipresent, meaning God is everywhere at all times, following kashrut laws teaches us that even in the most common rituals of daily life, like eating food, we are with God. The separation of meat and milk is a cornerstone of kashrut. It’s based on a commandment in the Torah, which tradition has developed into complete separation of meat and dairy products.

Lauren: So, do all denominations practise kashrut in the same way?

Anna: Not quite. Orthodox Jews observe kashrut according to traditional Jewish law - Halakhah. Reform Jews see kashrut as a personal choice so will ‘keep kosher’ in more of a symbolic way, while still holding and expressing Jewish values.

For me as a member of the Liberal movement, I see different ways that kashrut is followed, from keeping it fully, to those who don't follow it at all and also, many who choose another diet, like veganism or vegetarianism, to show their understanding of a modern-day kashrut.

Lauren: And we’ll be talking a lot more about those practices in other episodes of the series. Just head to BBC Sounds and search for ‘Bitesize GCSE Judaism’ to listen to those.

Anna: Now Lauren, I wonder if you know the meaning of the word covenant?

Lauren: I know it means an agreement but tell me how it relates to Judaism.

Anna: You’re quite right in that a covenant is a solemn agreement between two or more people. In Judaism, many Jews view their relationship with God as a covenant and believe that if they do as God asks, they’ll be rewarded. The first covenant was between God and the founder of the Jewish people.

Lauren: OK tell us who was the founder of the Jewish people?

Anna: It was Abraham. He made an agreement with God that he and his descendants would obey and worship God, and God alone, and would lead by example. Abraham was actually the first person to introduce the idea of one God, or monotheism. Before Abraham, people followed many Gods. His covenant with God was really where Judaism began and God promised land for Abraham and his descendants to live on.

Lauren: Were there any other covenants?

Anna: Another really key covenant was with Moses, who is a central figure and prophet in Judaism. This is where the Ten Commandments come in.

Lauren: Ah yes, I’ve heard of these.

Anna: Yes, many people will have heard of the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God for all Jewish people to follow and help guide them on how to relate to God and each other. They form part of the covenant made on Mount Sinai between Moses and God.

Lauren: Could you give us some examples of these commandments?

Anna: Yes sure. They cover a wide range of things such as only worshipping one God and keeping the Sabbath, or Shabbat, holy. Shabbat is the weekly Jewish day of rest. Within the Ten Commandments, there are also some moral rules such as ‘do not steal’ and ‘do not murder’. God promised to punish those who disobeyed them. You can find the Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus.

Lauren: So, following these laws and commandments, that’s how Jews keep the covenant today?

Anna: Exactly. For many Jews, particularly those who are more Orthodox, following the ‘mitzvot’, as the laws and commandments are known, is how they show their commitment to that agreement with God.

Lauren: And does that affect how Jewish people treat others?

Anna: Well, it does. Because of the covenant, Jews believe they have a moral responsibility to act justly, to care for others, and to do the right thing.

Lauren: So, it’s not just about individual faith?

Anna: No, these principles don’t just guide individuals. They actually help to shape communities, where people are bonded by shared values and traditions. If you were to visit a synagogue for instance, which is a place of worship for Jewish people, you would very likely see the Ten Commandments displayed on the wall. OK Lauren it’s time to test your knowledge. Are you ready for a quick quiz?

Lauren: I am ready for a quick quiz. I love quizzes.

Anna: Ok. Feel free to grab a pen and paper or even use your notes app to jot these questions and answers down!

Lauren: And remember you can always pause the episode if you need a bit of time to think.

Anna: First question. What does ‘monotheism’ mean?

Lauren: OK monotheism is the belief in only one God.

Anna: You got it, well done. Next question. What does ‘omnipotent’ mean?

Lauren: I think that means ‘all powerful’.

Anna: That’s it! It’s one of God’s divine attributes. And finally, what does a ‘covenant’ mean in Judaism?

Lauren: OK so a covenant is a solemn agreement between two or more parties. And in Judaism, it refers to the special relationship between God and the Jewish people.

Anna: Fantastic Lauren, well done.

Lauren: Thanks for listening to this episode of the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast.

Anna: In the next episode we’ll dive into how Jewish faith is lived day to day.

Lauren: Really excited for that one. And remember there are loads of podcasts covering other GCSE subjects, just like English, Science, and History. Just search ‘Bitesize GCSE’ on BBC Sounds.

Anna: See you next time!

Lauren: Hey and welcome to the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast on Judaism. I’m Lauren Layfield - I’m a TV and radio presenter, and in this series, we’re exploring the beliefs and practices you may come across at GCSE.

This episode, we’re looking at how Jewish faith is lived out in different denominations. And helping me is the extremely knowledgeable Rabbi Anna Wolfson. Hi Anna!

Anna: Hi Lauren, it’s a pleasure to be here!

Lauren: Anna, tell us a little bit about being a rabbi.

Anna: Yes, well, it means I’m an ordained spiritual leader and teacher. As a rabbi, I follow a lot of these practices myself and talk about them to members of my community too.

Lauren: Well, we can’t wait to hear a little bit more but before we get started, grab a pen, some paper, or your notes app, because we’ll be highlighting key ideas throughout this episode.

Anna: That’s right, and don’t forget to stick around until the end. I’ll be testing you with a quick quiz.

Lauren: Anna, can you tell me about a key Jewish practice?

Anna: Of course. Let’s start with the mitzvot. The mitzvot are 613 laws believed to have been said from God to Moses. They guide Jewish people on how to live a good life. They’re found in the Torah, which is a sacred text containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Lauren: OK so tell us some more about them.

Anna: Well, the laws contain instructions on how Jewish people should live their lives. There are different ways of thinking about the mitzvot, or dividing them up, but a common way is to split them into 248 positive mitzvot, known as ‘mitzvot aseh’ and 365 negative mitzvot known as ‘mitzvot lo taaseh’.

Lauren: Okay so what is the difference between the positive and the negative ones?

Anna: The positive mitzvot describe actions Jews are commanded to do. These include things such as honouring our parents or worshipping God. The negative mitzvot set out what Jewish people are commanded not to do, such as not bearing grudges and not having any other Gods.

Lauren: That’s really fascinating, and in our episode on God and Judaism, we talked about Moses’s covenant with God and how it is upheld today. So would it be correct to say that the mitzvot are how people actually act on their covenant with God? Almost like they’re putting their connection into practice each day?

Anna: Exactly. The mitzvot guide behaviour, ethics, and worship. So, it’s really about living the faith as well as believing. In fact, there’s a line from Psalm 119, verse 105 that sums this up really well. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” For many Jews, the mitzvot act like that guiding light, helping them make choices in everyday life.

Lauren: Yeah, I like that. It’s like the laws give direction and meaning to Jewish people.

Anna: That’s a good way to see it.

Lauren: Do different Jewish denominations follow the laws differently?

Anna: They do, yes. All Jewish traditions value the mitzvot but different denominations interpret them in different ways. And just to recap, in this series we’ll be discussing Orthodox, Reform and Liberal denominations, but there are others too.

Lauren: OK shall we start with Orthodox then?

Anna: Sure. So Orthodox Jews tend to observe all 613 commandments very strictly because they believe that the Torah was given directly by God to Moses. In practice, this means following traditional Jewish law (halakhah), which interprets and applies the commandments comprehensively.

For example, during Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of rest, Orthodox Jews don't just avoid work. Many won't turn on lights or drive, because the traditional Jewish law interprets these activities as forms of work prohibited on Shabbat.

Lauren: OK and what about Reform Jews?

Anna: Many Reform Jews believe that the Torah was divinely inspired, but written by humans, rather than being word-for-word dictation from God to Moses. For example, during Shabbat, instead of not turning on light switches they might choose to act in the spirit of the law.

That might mean focusing on rest and family time, perhaps avoiding work-related technology and social media while staying connected with family.

Lauren: And why do Reform Jews see that differently to Orthodox Jews?

Anna: Well Reform Jews tend to look at the mitzvot through the lens of the world in which they were written i.e., thousands of years ago. They then decide how, or even if, those laws should be followed today.

Most Jews believe that God gave humans free will - the ability to make their own choices. So, while all Jews value the mitzvot, different denominations choose how to follow them in ways that reflect their beliefs and understanding.

Lauren: So, we’ve talked about the Jewish laws, or ‘mitzvot’. What about Jewish worship?

Anna: Worship and prayer are really important in Judaism. Worship happens at home, and synagogues are buildings designed for communal prayer, bringing Jewish communities together. Praying among other people in synagogue is a different experience from praying alone at home. I find there’s something about the coming together of voices and the human connection that can give another spiritual layer to prayer.

Lauren: And we’ll look more at this in our episode on the role of synagogues, so make sure you head to the BBC Sounds app and search ‘Bitesize GCSE Judaism’ to listen to that one. Anna, tell us a little bit more about prayer for Jewish people.

Anna: Sure. Many Jewish people believe prayer connects them to God. There are formal prayers from a prayer book which is called a Siddur, and there are informal prayers which are usually made up spontaneously by the individual. They’re more personal. Both types of prayer can happen at home or in the synagogue.

Lauren: Are there any prayers that are particularly important to remember?

Anna: Yes. There’s the Shema, which affirms belief in one God, or ‘monotheism’. It goes like this:

“Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.”

Lauren: That’s amazing, and can I just say you’ve got a lovely, lovely voice.

Anna: Thank you.

Lauren: Can you tell us a little bit more about the Shema?

Anna: Sure, well traditionally Jews recite the Shema twice daily. Once in the morning and during evening prayers, as commanded in the Torah - “when you lie down and when you rise up”. Another central prayer is the Amidah, which is usually said silently while standing and facing the direction of Jerusalem. The Amidah contains 19 blessings praising and thanking God.

Lauren: So, Anna, we know that both of those prayers can happen at the synagogue, but could you tell us a little bit more about how you pray at home?

Anna: For sure! Some Jews pray at home instead of, or as well as, attending daily services. Many pray when they wake up, before meals, and before going to sleep. Homes may also display reminders of faith, like a mezuzah on the doorpost. That’s a little box or capsule containing words from the Shema.

Lauren: Anna, are there any other forms of worship that help you feel connected to your Jewish community?

Anna: For sure, let me tell you about the Sabbath, or ‘Shabbat’ in Hebrew. We discussed earlier that the way people actually practise it really comes down to how their denomination interprets the mitzvot. For me, it’s one of my favourite parts of every week.

Lauren: OK, tell me a little bit more about it.

Anna: So, Shabbat is a day of rest in Judaism. It takes place on the seventh day of the week, starts at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday.

Lauren: And why is it so important?

Anna: Well, it comes from one of the Ten Commandments, which tells Jews to keep the Sabbath day holy. It’s also based on the Hebrew Bible passage, where God created the world and then rested on the seventh day of the Jewish week. For many Jews, Shabbat is part of the covenant with God, a chance to step back from work and focus on faith, family and reflection.

Lauren: And just a reminder that if you’d like a recap on any of the terms used in this series, be sure to head to the BBC Bitesize website. Just search for the GCSE Religious Studies pages. So, Anna what happens during Shabbat?

Anna: Many Jews mark Shabbat with special meals at home, prayers, and spending time with family. Some attend synagogue services on Friday night and/or on Saturday. Shabbat ends on Saturday evening with final prayers and the Havdalah ceremony, which uses wine, spices, and a candle to mark the return to everyday life. Many Jews, from all denominations, will also avoid working on Shabbat.

Lauren: And you mentioned special meals. Can you tell me more about the food eaten during Shabbat?

Anna: The food is amazing and it has a really important role! Cooking has to be done in advance and during Shabbat Jews usually eat a special plaited bread known as challah. Challah is special as it symbolises the food God gave the Israelites when they were walking in the desert.

Depending on where a Jewish family originates from in the world, there will be a traditional shabbat meal. For my family and many other Jews whose ancestors are from Eastern Europe and Russia, it is traditional to have chicken soup, roast chicken and potatoes, with all the trimmings.

Lauren: Oh my goodness it sounds absolutely delicious. And are there any other customs?

Anna: Yes. Before Shabbat begins, families tidy, prepare food, and place two candles on the table, lighting them and saying a blessing to welcome Shabbat. There will also be blessings over wine and two loaves of challah. Songs and stories are shared together. Saturday is usually for synagogue, another family meal, and rest or studying the Torah.

While we’re on the topic of food, we also have food laws in Judaism. These are known as kosher laws, or ‘kashrut’. These laws are part of the mitzvot and guide what foods Jews can traditionally eat and how they should be prepared.

Lauren: OK so what makes food kosher?

Anna: Well, there are rules about particular animals. For example, land animals must have split hooves and chew the cud, which would include cows, sheep, goats and deer. Birds that are kosher include chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and pigeons.

Lauren: And are there any other rules that you can tell us about Anna?

Anna: Well fish we eat must have fins and scales, and pork and shellfish are forbidden. Meat and dairy must not be eaten together, and some Jews will wait hours between eating them. For meat to be kosher, animals must be slaughtered through shechitah, the Jewish ritual method, by a trained expert called a shochet. This involves a swift cut with a sharp knife, which Jewish tradition holds to be humane and to minimise the animal's suffering.

Lauren: Would I be right in thinking that Orthodox Jews might follow these laws differently to Reform Jews?

Anna: Generally, yes. Orthodox Jews often keep separate utensils for meat and dairy. Some Reform Jews may follow rules. For those who do, kosher laws turn eating into a religious act, a constant reminder of faith, identity, and belonging.

Lauren: OK I think it’s time for you to quiz me Anna.

Anna: Right, let's do it! I’m going to ask three quick questions based on this episode’s learning.

Lauren: Grab a pen, or your notes app, and jot down your answers. And remember you can always pause the episode if you need a bit more time. Right, I am ready for the first question!

Anna: OK here we go. What are the mitzvot and how many are there?

Lauren: They are the laws in the Torah that many Jewish people follow, and there are 613.

Anna: You’ve got it, well done! OK, next question. Can you name two important prayers in Judaism?

Lauren: Yes, it’s the Shema and the Amidah.

Anna: That’s it, well done! Together, they’re central to Jewish prayer. And finally, what does ‘kashrut’ refer to?

Lauren: Kashrut are the Jewish food laws, also known as Kosher laws. And they guide what Jews can and can’t eat.

Anna: You got it, great work Lauren!

Lauren: Thank you very much for listening to the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast on Judaism.

Anna: In the next episode we’re looking at Jewish festivals and why they matter.

Lauren: Yeah, keep exploring the series to learn more about Jewish beliefs and traditions, and to help prepare for your exam. Just search for ‘GCSE Judaism’ on BBC Sounds.

Anna: See you next time!

Lauren: Hello and welcome to the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast. I’m Lauren Layfield. I’m a TV and radio presenter, and your host for this series all about Judaism.

In this episode, we’re talking about why festivals in Judaism matter. But I’m not doing it by myself. I’m joined by my brilliant co-host, Rabbi Anna Wolfson.

Anna: Hi Lauren! Yes, this is the series where we dive into the beliefs and practices that you may come across in your GCSE. As you say Lauren, I am a rabbi, which means I studied to become ordained and now I lead services and teach people in my community about Judaism.

Lauren: Well, look I’ve got my pen and paper ready. A notes app will do for you as well. Jot down any of the key information that we discuss. And there will be a quiz at the end as well won’t there?

Anna: Absolutely!

Lauren: Cannot wait for it. And remember, there are more episodes on Judaism, just search for ‘GCSE Judaism’ on BBC Sounds and listen to the topic you need help with. Shall we get into it?

Anna: Let’s do it!

Lauren: Anna, I would love to hear about some of the festivals you celebrate in Judaism, and what they mean to you.

Anna: Definitely, festivals are a really important part of my faith. Let’s start with Passover, or ‘Pesach’. It’s an annual holiday which we celebrate in the spring, in the Jewish month of Nisan.

Lauren: So, what’s the significance of Passover, or ‘Pesach’?

Anna: So, Passover remembers the Exodus, when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites were the ancestors of the Jewish people. Passover celebrates freedom and reminds Jews of God’s power and faithfulness. The Hebrew word ‘Pesach’ actually means ‘passed over’. It’s believed that God sent ten plagues to persuade the Egyptian Pharaoh, or King, to let the Israelites go.

In the final plague, God told the Israelites to mark their doorposts with lamb’s blood to prevent their firstborn children from being killed. That sign meant that God would pass over their homes and spare their children.

Lauren: Okay so that’s where the name ‘Passover’ comes from?

Anna: Exactly.

Lauren: How is Passover celebrated today?

Anna: So today, it’s a communal celebration that mainly takes place in the home. It lasts for seven or eight days. In Israel, Passover is seven days for everyone. Outside Israel, Reform Jews observe seven days following the biblical commandment, while Orthodox Jews observe eight days, maintaining the traditional practice from when the calendar date was more uncertain.

Lauren: And what are some of the traditions of Passover?

Anna: So many of the festival’s traditions represent parts of the Exodus story. Food for example plays a huge role in Passover.

Lauren: Go on then, tell us more.

Anna: Well, the ‘Seder’ is a meal usually held at home, although some synagogues hold a communal Seder. It often takes place during the first two evenings of the festival. During the Seder, the Exodus story is retold from a book called the Haggadah. While this is read, specific food and drink are consumed that symbolise elements in the story.

Lauren: Can you give us some examples?

Anna: Of course! Over the course of the Seder, four cups of wine are drunk at specific times. In Jewish tradition, wine represents joy and celebration, so drinking wine during the Seder celebrates the joy of freedom from slavery. The four cups remind Jews of God's promises to redeem them from Egypt.

Lauren: So, it's about celebrating freedom?

Anna: That’s exactly right. Passover is a joyful celebration of God freeing the Jewish people. Another food we eat during Passover is matzah which is unleavened bread, meaning the bread has no yeast, so it doesn't rise. It’s a bit like a flat cracker. It is not the tastiest of food but there is nostalgia in eating it.

Lauren: What does matzah represent?

Anna: Well, when the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, they were in such a rush to leave that the bread they made didn’t have enough time to rise. That’s why we don’t eat leavened, or risen, bread during Passover.

Lauren: It sounds like these rituals are important for remembering, and I can see why remembering is really important in Passover.

Anna: You’re right Lauren. And the word ‘remember’ is really key there as that’s exactly what God instructed the Israelites to do. In the book of Exodus chapter 12 verse 14, after promising the 10th plague, God said “This day shall be for you a remembrance day.”

Lauren: So that quote shows Passover is a time to remember that Exodus story.

Anna: That’s it.

Lauren: Can you tell us about another festival in the Jewish calendar?

Anna: Yes, let’s have a look at Rosh Hashanah, which means ‘head of the year’.

Lauren: ‘Head of the year’ - so is that like a New Year’s celebration?

Anna: It is! It’s a holiday to celebrate the end of one year and the start of a Jewish new year. It takes place usually over two days, around September or October, and for Jews, it is a time of rejoicing but also of rest and reflection.

Lauren: And what are Jewish people reflecting on during Rosh Hashanah?

Anna: Some may reflect on themselves over the past year, on things like their good deeds or their wrongdoings. They’ll also give a lot of thought to their personal relationship with God and their faith. A core belief in Judaism is that God is the Supreme Judge, and Rosh Hashanah is often called the ‘Day of Judgement’, so it’s really important that we use the time for reflection and consider whether we are living in a way that pleases God.

Lauren: That makes a lot of sense, thanks for explaining that. And there’s more information on festivals like Rosh Hashanah over on the Bitesize website. Just search for ‘Bitesize GCSE Judaism Festivals’ for more detail. So Anna, what does Rosh Hashanah mean to you?

Anna: Well, the actions and reflection during Rosh Hashanah have a big impact on the rest of my year. It is a chance to reflect and reset for the year ahead. Largely all denominations celebrate Rosh Hashanah in the same way. It is a busy time in synagogue and lots of community members come, even bringing family who are visiting from further away.

After the services, I will join family, friends or community members for a celebratory lunch. After lunch we will go to a body of water and do the ritual of Tashlich, which we'll talk more about shortly.

Lauren: Are there any other customs during Rosh Hashanah celebrations?

Anna: There are. Something that is strongly associated with the holiday is a Shofar which is a trumpet sounding instrument made from a horn, usually from a ram or another animal.

Lauren: What is the significance of that?

Anna: Well, it is sounded everyday over the last month of the year, except on Shabbat because that’s the weekly day of rest. During the Rosh Hashanah celebration, it’s blown in the synagogue. It symbolises a call for Jews to wake up spiritually in preparation for the Jewish new year. It is also a call for repentance and asking for forgiveness.

Rosh Hashannah starts what is known as the 10 days of repentance where we are instructed to right any wrongs in the lead up to Yom Kippur, which we will be discussing later on in this episode. It is the time to rebuild relationships that may have broken down, apologise to anyone we may have hurt and consider how we want to do better in the next year.

Lauren: So, does the synagogue play a big role in Rosh Hashanah?

Anna: It does. During the holiday many Jews spend a lot of time in synagogue for services and prayers and also reading from the Jewish scripture - the Torah. But the synagogue isn’t the only place. The ceremony known as Tashlich takes place by water.

Lauren: And tell us what is the Tashlich?

Anna: It’s a ceremony that typically takes place on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. It involves heading to a body of water, such as the sea, a river, or even a pond. Biblical passages are read that express repentance and forgiveness. Jews then symbolically cast off their sins into the water. I love the ritual of Tashlich. I go together with my community to the nearest body of water.

We usually take bird seed for the ducks. And after some readings and prayers, each person will take some seed and go by themselves to the water side. And every handful of seed we throw into the water represents something we would like to cast away from the year gone by. It is a chance to symbolically let go and start afresh for the New Year ahead.

Lauren: That sounds amazing, and just very unique as well to your religion.

Anna: It’s really special. Can I tell you about one more Jewish festival Lauren?

Lauren: Absolutely.

Anna: Yom Kippur is often considered the most holy and sacred day of the year for Jewish people. Yom Kippur falls just 10 days after Rosh Hashanah and is commonly known as the ‘Day of Atonement’.

Lauren: And what do Jewish people do, or not do, during Yom Kippur?

Anna: On Yom Kippur, there are specifically 5 things that must be avoided over the 25-hour period. These are; eating, drinking, washing and bathing, applying oils or creams to the body, wearing leather shoes, and any sexual relations.

Lauren: I mean I imagine no eating and drinking can be quite a test.

Anna: Yes, it can be hard, but it really helps to focus on God. During the 25-hour period of fasting, Jews will spend the time asking God to forgive the things they’ve done wrong. It is also common for some to wear white, symbolising purity, as they spend much of the day in synagogue praying.

Lauren: And that’s why it’s known as Day of Atonement then?

Anna: That’s it. Many believe that God’s final judgement will be decided on Yom Kippur. Every year on this holy day, we are given the opportunity to clear the slate and start again. There is a recognition that human beings are just that, we’re human and we will make mistakes.

So, each year we are able to do the work to apologise for those lapses and commit to doing better for the year ahead.

All of these festivals are important in bringing communities together, deepening connection with God, taking time for reflection and reminding Jews of their history. OK Lauren, are you ready for a quiz?

Lauren: I am indeed! You ask the questions, and I’ll jot down my answers. And I’d recommend grabbing a pen and paper, or you can use your notes app.

Anna: And you can always pause the episode if you need more time to think of your answers. OK, first question. How did Passover get its name?

Lauren: OK so it’s to do with the last of the ten plagues, where God ‘passed over’ and protected the Jewish households.

Anna: You’ve got it. Passover serves to remind Jews that God protected them and continues to. Okay next question. What is the name of the horn which is blown during the month before and during Rosh Hashanah?

Lauren: That would be the Shofar.

Anna: Correct! And finally, how long do Jews fast for during Yom Kippur?

Lauren: That is 25 hours.

Anna: Perfect, three out of three! Yes, Jews will spend that time praying and asking for forgiveness.

Lauren: Thanks for listening to this episode of the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast. And thank you to Rabbi Anna for telling us about your special Jewish festivals.

Anna: My pleasure! Next time, we’ll look at the role of the synagogue in Jewish life.

Lauren: Amazing. And if you’ve found this helpful, please make sure to check out more episodes in this series, as well as series on other faiths you may be studying at GCSE, including Christianity, Catholicism, and Islam. Just search for ‘GCSE Religious Studies’ on BBC Sounds.

Anna: See you next time!

Lauren: Hello! My name is Lauren Layfield and you’re listening to the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast. I’m a TV and radio presenter and in this series, we’re exploring some of the key beliefs and practices you may come across when you’re studying Judaism.

In this episode, we’re looking at the role of the synagogue in Jewish life, and I’m very happy to be joined once again by Rabbi Anna Wolfson. Welcome back Anna!

Anna: Hi Lauren, it’s a pleasure to be here! As a rabbi, I spend a lot of time in the synagogue. For many Jews the synagogue is a house of prayer and all-round community centre. It serves many functions so let’s get stuck in and see what they’re all about.

Lauren: Yeah, we’ve got a lot to cover so you may want to take some notes using a pen and paper or maybe your notes app. And make sure you stick about until the end because Anna’s got a quiz for us.

Anna: Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it. Let’s get stuck in.

Lauren: So Anna, let’s go right to the basics. What is a synagogue?

Anna: Good question. Well, the word ‘synagogue’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘to bring together’. It’s a place for worship, community, and study.

Lauren: And when did Jewish people first use synagogues for worship?

Anna: Historically, Jews would have worshipped in a portable temple, essentially the precursor to the synagogue, called the Tabernacle.

Lauren: So, by portable, do you mean they transported it around with them?

Anna: Exactly that! The book of Exodus explains that God instructed Moses, the prophet, to build a Tabernacle. It was so that the Israelites could have a place of worship whilst they were journeying through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It was believed that God was present wherever The Tabernacle was.

Lauren: So, is that where communal worship took place?

Anna: Yes. Today though communal worship is practiced in synagogues. Synagogues are the heart of Jewish life. Praying together is really important to many Jews. For some prayers to be said, it’s believed a minimum of ten Jewish adults should be present. This is what is known as a ‘minyan’.

Lauren: And is that the same across the major denominations?

Anna: Yes, however for Orthodox Jews a minyan is just men, whereas for Reform Jews and Liberal Jews, such as myself, it can be a mixed group.

Lauren: OK so synagogues are a place for Jewish people to pray. How else do they bring communities together?

Anna: Synagogues are also used for services on specific days such as the Sabbath - the weekly day of rest - and festivals like Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. On those days the community comes together at the synagogue to pray and read from the Torah.

Lauren: We talked about those holy days and celebrations in our episode on Jewish festivals. You can listen to that one, and all the episodes in this series, over on BBC Sounds. Just search ‘Bitesize GCSE Judaism’.

Lauren: So, Anna, if we were to step inside a synagogue right now, what would it look like?

Anna: Well, you’ll often see an ark or cupboard, known as the ‘aron hakodesh’, which is the holiest part of the synagogue. It’s a cabinet that holds the Torah scrolls and it faces in the direction of Jerusalem.

It’s often decorated really elaborately and designed to remind us of the biblical Ark of the Covenant, which held the original Ten Commandments thousands of years ago. There’s also usually a ‘ner tamid’, meaning ‘eternal light’, which is a light that’s always kept burning to show God’s presence.

Lauren: So, could you say the ‘ner tamid’ shows God’s omni presence, one of his divine attributes?

Anna: You absolutely could. It shows that God is always present.

Lauren: And the Torah scrolls you mentioned, could you describe them?

Anna: The Torah scrolls are often wrapped with a decorated cloth and are usually read by a rabbi. A pointing device called a 'yad' is often used to follow the text, so the scroll is not being touched or damaged.

Lauren: And Anna, you read the Torah scrolls as a part of your role?

Anna: That’s right. As a rabbi that’s part of my job. But it does not always have to be the rabbi who reads from the Torah as there are other people who have been trained to read it too. The Hebrew in Torah does not have any vowels in it so it can take a lot of practice to get it right.

Lauren: So, the ‘aron hakodesh’ holds the Torah scrolls, but where’s the Torah actually read from?

Anna: So that happens on the ‘bimah’ which is a raised platform.

Lauren: OK and can you tell us more about daily services?

Anna: Yes, many Orthodox synagogues hold three daily prayer services in Hebrew; Shacharit in the morning, Minchah in the afternoon, and Arvit in the evening.

Lauren: And who leads these services?

Anna: Well, they’re often led by a rabbi - a trained, Jewish religious leader and teacher. In Orthodox Judaism, rabbis are men. In Reform and Liberal Judaism women can train to be rabbis as well.

Lauren: Are there any other differences between Orthodox, Reform and Liberal worship in synagogues?

Anna: There are. In Orthodox synagogues, men and women usually sit separately, while in Reform synagogues they often will sit together. These differences reflect each tradition’s interpretation of Jewish law and practice.

Lauren: And do people wear anything special at the synagogue?

Anna: Some do. Many Jewish men wear a skullcap called a ‘kippah’, and during prayer some wear a ‘tallit’, which is a prayer shawl. In Reform and Liberal synagogues both men and women can wear kippah and tallit. Orthodox men may also wear ‘tefillin’ during weekday morning prayers.

These are small leather boxes containing passages from the Torah. Many married Orthodox women cover their hair at all times in public as a sign of modesty, and all married women cover their heads when attending Orthodox synagogues.

Lauren: OK so we're building up a picture here. Can you give us more detail about what happens during a service?

Anna: Yes, well services use a prayer book called the ‘Siddur’, containing set prayers. Worshippers will often stand and sit at various points in the service to show respect and even bow during certain words in some prayers.

One of the most important prayers is the Amidah, known as 'the standing prayer', which is recited silently while standing and facing Jerusalem. It contains 19 blessings praising and thanking God. In some Orthodox services people will gently sway to help with concentration.

Services may also include Torah readings, followed by closing prayers such as the ‘Aleinu’, which praises God. It starts like this: “Aleinu l’shabeich l’don hkol”, meaning it is our duty to praise the Ruler of all.

Lauren: So, Anna, synagogues really are a hub for Jewish people to gather aren’t they?

Anna: Indeed. But not just for worship. On top of that, they are places to study the faith and often bring people together much like a community centre.

Lauren: OK tell us a bit more about that then.

Anna: Well they’re places where people, young and old, come together to socialise. They may have meetings, do activities and take part in events for the community and for charity.

Lauren: And charity is really important in Judaism isn’t it?

Anna: Definitely. It’s central to Jewish life and it’s believed we can be forgiven for our sins by taking part in charity, much like with prayer and repentance. But synagogues are also places of religious education and some will teach people Hebrew.

Lauren: Is that so Jewish people can read the religious texts?

Anna: Yes and it’s a way for Jewish people to connect to their history and identity. Hebrew is an ancient and sacred language for Jews. The Torah is in Hebrew, as are many prayers, so some believe it’s a way to connect more deeply to our faith and ancestors.

Lauren: So is learning Hebrew important then?

Anna: Yes, synagogues will often help with reading and speaking Hebrew. Also young people will train for about a year before doing their first Torah reading as part of their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.

Lauren: So it sounds like synagogues are a place where Jewish people can find connection with one another and develop understandings of their faith.

Anna: That’s right. And as we’ve discussed, communal gathering has been a tradition since the beginning of Judaism. In fact, in Psalms 122, Verse 1 it says:

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’.”

Lauren: I like the use of the word rejoiced there because it shows that gathering for communal worship is joyful and a major part of Jewish life.

Anna: Absolutely. And that shared focus on God, the Torah, and the synagogue helps unite Jewish communities and reinforces a shared identity. Right, I think it’s quiz time Lauren. I’m going to ask you three quick questions, and you can try and answer them. Is that ok?

Lauren: Yes! I’m feeling very confident today! Grab a pen and paper with me, or you can use your notes app, and write down your answers. And if you need to, just pause this episode whilst you think about your answer.

Anna: OK, first question. Can you tell me how many people are required for a minyan?

Lauren: I’m pretty certain that a minyan requires a group of at least ten people.

Anna: You’ve got it, well done! Next question. What is the ‘aron hakodesh’?

Lauren: That’s the ark or the cupboard in a synagogue which contains the Torah scrolls. And it is said to be the holiest part of the synagogue.

Anna: You’re absolutely right! OK final question. Can you name three activities that synagogues can be used for?

Lauren: Yes one would be prayer and worship. Another would be religious study. And the third could be socialising or community events.

Anna: Brilliant! That’s right. Synagogues are so much more than a place to practise the religion. They’re often the centre point of the community.

Lauren: Thanks very much for listening to this episode of the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast.

Anna: Yes I hope it’s been helpful. In the next one, we’ll be looking at exam skills so we can put this knowledge into practice.

Lauren: Yes and if you want to recap on any other areas of Judaism before listening to that one, make sure to head to BBC Sounds or the Bitesize website. Just search for ‘GCSE Judaism’.

Anna: You can also find podcasts to help with other GCSE subjects, like English, History and Science.

Lauren: That is right and we’ll see you next time!

Lauren: Hello and welcome to the Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies podcast. I’m your host, Lauren Layfield. I’m a TV and radio presenter, and in this series, we’ve been exploring Judaism and the beliefs and practices you may come across in your exam. I’m here as always with my fabulous co-host, Rabbi Anna Wolfson.

Anna: Thanks Lauren, hello again! In this episode we’re helping you prepare for your exam by building the skills you may need. And we’ll use some of what you’ve learned across this Judaism series to help with that.

Lauren: Yes, so in this episode we’ll firstly look at different question types, and various command words.

Anna: Then we’ll look at how you might respond to those command words, bearing in mind the type of question and number of marks available.

Lauren: And finally, we’ll cover how you could use quotes from Jewish sources of wisdom in your answers, like the Torah, the mitzvot, and the Ten Commandments.

Anna: So grab your pen and paper or notes app because this episode is all about helping you feel confident for the exam.

Lauren: And remember you can find podcasts covering loads of GCSE subjects, from English to History, and other Religious Studies podcasts as well! Just search for Bitesize GCSE on the BBC Sounds app. Before answering any question in your exam, it’s important to know how to approach it. You need to work out what the question wants you to do.

Anna: That’s right. And to do this, it's helpful to understand the different command words. Command words are verbs or phrases that guide you on how to respond. They’ll usually appear at the start of the question.

Lauren: Now we can’t cover every command word, but some common ones which may appear in your exam are ‘Describe’, ‘Explain’ or ‘Evaluate’.

Anna: I’ve got a tip for you. Before you write anything, read the question carefully, circle the command word, and underline key parts of the question. That will help you understand how to answer the question according to the command word.

Lauren: Yeah, a good way to ensure your answer is tailored to the question, is to keep checking back on it as you write, and that’ll make sure you’re on track.

Anna: That’s right. Now, different exam boards may ask questions differently and we’re not predicting what will come up in your exams. We’re just giving you a broad explanation of some of the question types.

Lauren: Now that we know what command words are, can we look at how they might be used in the exam?

Anna: Let’s do it. Once you’ve identified the command word, we need to ask - what is it wanting me to do in my answer?

Lauren: Yeah exactly. Lower mark questions are looking for short answers that ask you to recall some key knowledge. Mid-mark questions usually want you to explain ideas in more detail. And higher mark questions require you to balance different viewpoints and then reach your own conclusion.

Anna: Let’s look at some command words in action. We’ll use examples from Judaism that we’ve already covered in this series. The number of marks will always give you an idea of the level of detail you need to give and how long to spend writing your answer.

Lauren: Ok. Let’s start with lower mark questions, which may use command words like ‘describe’.

Anna: Describe questions usually want a ‘what’, not a ‘why’, don’t they?

Lauren: Yeah, that’s right. They're more focussed on knowledge recall and are usually worth fewer marks, so we’re looking for short, factual answers. You probably don’t need loads of detail here.

Anna: Shall we look at an example question then?

Lauren: Yes, how about this one then Anna? In our episode on how God is understood within Judaism, we explored some key Jewish beliefs. Here’s an example question. ‘Describe what monotheism means.’

Anna: OK so you could answer something like, ‘Monotheism is the belief in only one God. Judaism teaches that God is the only being that should be worshiped and praised.’

Lauren: Yeah, that’s a really good answer Anna because it’s factual, it is short and it’s to the point. For this kind of question, they’re usually looking for a sentence or two depending on the marks available.

Anna: Let’s move on to questions that start with the command word ‘explain’. Explain means ‘give reasons’, so you’ll need to include words and phrases like ‘because’, ‘therefore’, or ‘this means that’.

Lauren: Yes, these questions are looking for a bit more detail aren’t they? The answer is built by linking the practice to the belief. They’re usually worth more marks, but always check.

Anna: Let’s look at an example based on what we learnt in an earlier episode.

Lauren: Ok try this, Anna. ‘Explain why Shabbat is important in Judaism?’

Anna: Let me give this a try. ‘Shabbat is important in Judaism, because it was commanded by God in the Ten Commandments. Each week, Jews observe a day of rest from working, which allows them to focus on worship, their family and God. Therefore, observing Shabbat helps create a stronger sense of faith, identity and closeness to God.’

Lauren: Yeah, that’s really good. You clearly laid out the connection there between what Jews believe and what that actually means in practice. And by using terms like ‘because’ and ‘therefore’, you explained the reasons you gave. Ok Anna, let’s move onto the higher mark questions. Here you might see the command word ‘evaluate’.

Anna: These questions require arguments to support the statement, as well as ones to counter it.

Lauren: Yes, you should give reasons for both sides, as well as evidence and examples for each of them. These examples could be quotes from religious texts, and it may be useful to consider different denominations of Judaism in your answer.

Anna: And finish your answer with a conclusion that addresses the question.

Lauren: Yeah exactly. These question types are usually worth more marks and require a longer answer. So, let’s look at an example. ‘Evaluate this statement: Festivals are the most important way Jewish identity is strengthened.’ How would you go about answering that, Anna?

Anna: OK I would start by giving reasons that support the statement, and then ones which counter it. We need to cover both sides of the argument and give evidence for both. So, let’s look at the points that support the statement ‘festivals are the most important way Jewish identity is strengthened’.

Firstly, festivals bring people together. Shared rituals and traditions give Jewish families and communities a massive sense of belonging. Festivals connect Jews to their history. Take Passover, for example.

It reminds Jewish people of their ancestors’ Exodus from Egypt and how God spared and rescued them. Sharing that history builds a strong, shared identity. They reinforce core beliefs. Festivals like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are about reflection and repentance. They help Jews think about their good deeds and their wrongdoings, their relationship with God and the importance of living a good life.

Lauren: Those are some really valid points. So, what about the points that counter the statement?

Anna: Well, I could say: Daily habits can be more powerful. Many Jews find that studying the Torah or attending synagogue for worship and regular prayer builds a stronger sense of identity than festivals do.

For some Jewish people, things they do each day, such as following kosher rules, or observing Shabbat, reinforces their identity more than taking part in festivals. Different denominations within Judaism may celebrate festivals differently and place more or less significance on them so it is not possible to say festivals are the most important way Jewish identity is strengthened for all Jewish people.

Lauren: Again, really strong arguments. And then you should finish with a conclusion. You don’t need to be critical of any festivals or practices. What you're doing is presenting arguments and then finishing with your overarching opinion on the question.

Anna: Absolutely. That answer gets higher marks because it is able to clearly reason and weigh up different viewpoints with supported claims.

Lauren: When studying GCSE Religious Studies, you’ll have heard and learnt some religious sources of wisdom and authority. Now, what are sources of wisdom Anna?

Anna: Sources of wisdom in Judaism are things like the Torah, which contains the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. They could also be the Ten Commandments and the mitzvot.

Lauren: And you don’t need to remember lots of long quotes or where they’re from, but rather a few which are short, meaningful and that you understand. For higher mark questions, it's a good idea to include a source of wisdom to get those higher marks.

Anna: And we’ve been using examples of sources of wisdom right through this series so let’s go through some you might use. When we looked at how God is understood within Judaism, we heard a quote from Deuteronomy Chapter 6, verse 4. “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This quote shows the belief in the oneness of God and comes from the Shema, an important Jewish prayer.

Lauren: When we explored how Jewish faith is lived out in different denominations, including the mitzvot, you shared a quote from Psalm 119, verse 105. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Anna: Do you remember the significance of that quote?

Lauren: Yeah, it’s a reminder that the mitzvot are more than just rules to follow. They’re meant to guide Jews through everyday life and give them direction.

Anna: Exactly! In the episode on festivals, including the festival of Passover, we heard a section from Exodus chapter 12 verse 14. “This day shall be for you a remembrance day.”

Lauren: Yeah, that quote is really helpful for explaining why Passover is so important in Judaism. It helps Jews remember that God spared them and ‘passed over’ their homes.

Anna: That’s right. And finally, when discussing the role of the synagogue in Jewish life, we heard Psalms, 122, Verse 1. “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” That is a really useful quote to demonstrate the importance of gathering for communal worship in Judaism.

Lauren: When using sources of wisdom like these, the key is not just writing the quote. You also need to show why it’s relevant.

Anna: Yes, let's look at an example question and answer it using a source of wisdom.

Lauren: Ok. Try this, Anna. ‘Explain why Passover is important to Jewish people?’

Anna: A possible answer, using a quote, could be:

‘Passover is important to Jewish people as a way of connecting to their ancestors. They remember how God freed them and spared their children from death when God “passed over” their homes in Egypt. This event was so significant that God instructed Jewish people to remember it, by saying: “This day shall be for you a remembrance day.”

This shows that Passover is more than just a celebration but it’s also the Jewish people’s duty to follow God’s commandments.’

Lauren: That’s a great answer. It used the quote to explain the importance of the belief. And for more resources, like quotations, quizzes and flashcards, go to the Bitesize website and search for GCSE Religious Studies.

Anna: Thank you for listening to this Religious Studies series on Judaism. We hope you are feeling more confident as you tackle your exam!

Lauren: Yeah, listen to this series as many times as you need, and remember we have series on other religions you may be studying too. Just search for Bitesize GCSE Religious Studies on BBC Sounds.

Anna: Thanks for listening, and good luck!

Lauren: Good luck!