We've designed this KS2 resource pack to help pupils explore the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur. The lesson focuses on what happens during Yom Kippur and the customs and traditions associated with the Day of Atonement.
Pupils will develop their reading comprehension, understanding of religious practices and ability to discuss and reflect on cultural traditions.
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, known as the Day of Atonement, when Jewish people fast, pray and seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings.
When is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur 2025 begins at sunset on Wednesday 1st October 2025 and concludes at nightfall on Thursday 2nd October 2025.
Yom Kippur text
The included fact sheet about Yom Kippur covers the following topics and themes:
- Overview of Yom Kippur – introduces the festival and its significance in Judaism.
- Timing of the festival – when it takes place in the calendar and how long it lasts.
- Historical origins – story of Moses, the Ten Commandments and the first Yom Kippur.
- Purpose and meaning – ideas of atonement, forgiveness and reflection.
- Celebration practices – family meals before the fast, synagogue attendance and prayer.
- Fasting and restrictions – rules about eating, clothing, bathing and other behaviours.
- Religious symbols and customs – wearing white, the tallit, candles and the shofar.
- Community and family involvement – coming together for services and meals.
Yom Kippur KS2 comprehension
Pupils will begin by reading the text What is Yom Kippur? They can highlight or underline words they find interesting or new, helping them to explore the meaning of vocabulary in context.
Following the reading, pupils will complete a series of comprehension questions. These include tasks such as identifying which festival takes place ten days before Yom Kippur (Rosh Hashanah), explaining why Moses was angry, and finding a phrase that means to ask for forgiveness. This encourages careful reading and attention to detail.
You can use the resource in a range of ways: as a whole-class discussion starter, in guided reading groups, or as an independent reading activity.
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to describe the key activities of Yom Kippur, explain their significance and reflect on the idea of atonement in a Jewish context.
National Curriculum links
Pupils are supported in understanding what they read by checking for meaning, discussing their understanding and exploring vocabulary in context.
We also have resources about Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah. Head over to Teachwire for a lesson plan about Tu Bishvat, the 'festival of trees'.