Judaism – Religious practices that shape religious identity

This topic explores how Jewish religious practices—such as prayer, dietary laws (kashrut), and lifecycle events—shape and express Jewish identity. It examines the role of the synagogue, Shabbat, and festivals like Passover and Yom Kippur in reinforcing communal and individual identity. Understanding these practices is essential for analysing how religion functions as a lived experience, not just a set of beliefs.

The WJEC A-Level specification requires students to evaluate how practices both unite and differentiate Jewish communities (e.g., Orthodox vs. Reform approaches). Key themes include the relationship between practice and belief, the impact of modernity on tradition, and the role of practices in maintaining identity in diaspora contexts. This topic connects to broader debates about secularisation, multiculturalism, and religious authority.

Mastering this content enables students to critically assess how religious identity is constructed and sustained through ritual. It also provides a foundation for comparative studies with other religions and for evaluating claims about the decline of religious practice in contemporary society.