Explore Yom Kippur on 20–21 September with this thoughtful, ready-to-deliver whole-school assembly for primary schools.

This assembly introduces pupils to Yom Kippur, a holy day in the Jewish calendar, and explores its themes of reflection, forgiveness, saying sorry and trying to do better. It encourages children to understand that Yom Kippur is not about being perfect, but about pausing, reflecting and making positive changes.

Pupils learn about responsibility, honesty, kindness, making amends and respect for others, while developing an understanding of how Yom Kippur is observed by Jewish people. The assembly also respectfully acknowledges that different people in the school community may celebrate different holy days in different ways.

Through the story of Maya, a Jewish girl who makes an unkind choice at school, pupils explore the difference between simply saying sorry and taking meaningful action to put things right.

The presentation includes quiet reflection, whole-school participation, partner discussion, audience questions and a final challenge encouraging pupils to think about one small thing they can do to make their school a kinder place.

What’s included:

Ready-to-deliver PowerPoint presentation

PDF version

Learning objectives

Fully integrated story

Whole-school participation activities

Reflection and discussion prompts

Challenge activities to extend learning

Suitable for KS1 and KS2

Perfect for: Yom Kippur • RE & World Faiths • Judaism • Religious Celebrations • Forgiveness • Reflection • Kindness • Making Amends • Respect • Whole-School Assemblies

Date: 20–21 September
Category: RE & World Faiths
Age range: KS1 & KS2

Simply download, open and deliver.