1.63 Jewish Practices (WJEC GCSE)

Introduce students to the depth and structure of Jewish mourning and funeral rituals with this sensitive and thorough Lesson Pack for 1.6.3d: Jewish Practices. Carefully aligned with the WJEC Religious Studies 2025 specification, this lesson explains the significance of each stage of mourning and the rituals that support both faith and family during a time of loss.

Learners Will Understand:

The Importance of Jewish Mourning and Funeral Practices

• Committing the body to God with dignity and respect, giving thanks for life through blessings and remembrance and celebrating the life of the deceased while acknowledging grief
• Using signs and symbols (candles, torn clothing, kaddish) to express mourning and meaning
• Connecting death with Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and the soul’s journey

The different stages of Jewish mourning practices

Jewish Funeral Practices

• Taharah: The ritual washing and purification of the body by the chevra kadisha
• The Funeral Service: Includes eulogy, prayers (such as the Kaddish), and burial — often within 24 hours of death when possible

Suitable for:

• WJEC GCSE Religious Studies (from 2025)
• KS4 Religious Education or Interfaith units
• Ethics or PSHE crossover topics
• Revision, cover, and enrichment lessons