Teaching Yom Kippur in Two Days

Engaging lessons that fit tight schedules

As Yom Kippur draws near, Limudei Kodesh teachers are presented with an opportunity to dive deep into the meaning and minhagim of this important day— all in just a few teaching days!

That’s why we’ve collected interactive teaching ideas that will not only engage your students but also help them absorb a lot of information in a short amount of time.

Fast Facts

Start with a mini challenge! Hand your students a list of statements about the new topic and let them decide if each one is true or false—or if they agree or disagree. It’s a fun way to get brains buzzing and conversations started, plus it gives you a sneak peek at what they already know (or think they know!).

Example: True or False?

We fast on Yom Kippur to commemorate the shattering of the luchos.
We hear 100 shofar blasts on Yom Kippur.
When Yom Kippur falls out on Shabbos, we don’t fast.

Four Corners

Pose a question with four possible viewpoints and let students physically “take a stand” by moving to the corner that matches their opinion. They then get to explain why they chose it, sparking conversation and giving everyone a chance to justify their thinking.

Movement + discussion in one fun learning activity.

Example: What is our main avoda on Yom Kippur?

Teshuva 2. Being Mamlich Hashem 3.Davening for a good year 4.Fasting

Brain Dump / Think-Pair-Share

Set the timer and have students jot down all the facts, ideas, or memories they can think of about a specific topic. Then, let them pair up to compare their notes and catch anything they missed. Wrap up with a class discussion to see all the memories combined.

Example: What are some minhagim, tefillos, or halachos that you remember about Yom Kippur?

Gallery Walk

Place important terms and questions on chart paper around the classroom. Students move in groups from station to station, writing down their thoughts and discoveries. It’s an interactive way to encourage collaboration, spark conversation, and turn learning into a fun, moving activity.

Example: אבינו מלכנו, תשובה\תפילה\צדקה, סעודה המפסקת, תפילת נעילה

K-W-L (Know, Want to Know, Learned)

Students write down what they already Know and what they’re curious about (Want to know) before diving in. Once the lesson is over, they fill in the Learned column. It turns learning into a mini journey and makes the “aha!” moments extra satisfying.

Quiz-Quiz-Trade

Have students write a question about Yom Kippur on one side of an index card and the answer on the other.

Next, students pair up to quiz each other, check answers, and trade cards. After some time, they find new partners and repeat the process.

As a closure, hold a debrief to discuss the most interesting or challenging questions created by students.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Behind the Desk to Director’s Chair

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Chazak, Chazak, V’Nischazek!

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Mommy and Me Workshops

Mommy & Me Day is a special opportunity to welcome mommies into the classroom and celebrate the powerful connection between home and school. It gives mommies a meaningful peek into what happens during the school day, while helping children feel supported, confident, and excited about their learning experience. Why is a Mommy and Me Day important? Strengthens home–school connectionWhen mommies step into the classroom, they better understand the school’s values, routines, and learning goals—creating a true partnership. Builds children’s emotional securityChildren feel proud, confident, and safe when their mommy is part of their school world, which supports emotional development. Encourages meaningful parent involvement Mommies experience hands-on activities and gain ideas they can continue at home. Enhances social and language skillsShared activities promote communication, cooperation, and expressive language in a natural way. Creates joyful, lasting memoriesPositive school experiences tied to family build warm associations with learning