Jewish Life

UJEB is the sole approved provider of Jewish education in government primary schools in Victoria through the Jewish Life program. UJEB is unique as it is the only Jewish educational organisation that is approved, accredited and endorsed by the Department of Education and Training to provide programs at government schools.

WHAT IS JEWISH LIFE AT UJEB?

The Jewish Life programme at UJEB is hinged on the understanding that Jewish life is deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of values that emphasise community, tradition, and spiritual growth. Central to this is the celebration of Shabbat,Chaggim, and all the Jewish holidays, which bring families and communities together in shared rituals and festivities. This leads to reinforcing bonds and collective identity. This rhythm of our Jewish Calendar fosters a strong community spirit, where the values of charity, justice, and mutual support are continually nurtured, creating a vibrant and cohesive community.

Weekly sessions, before or after school, where educators engage your child in exciting enriching activities that support our programme as a cornerstone to who we are as a Jewish people.

Pillars of the Jewish Life Program

IDENTITY

The social gathering we offer, and values we teach and uphold, lead to connection with Judaism and Israel.

ENGAGEMENT

The activities and engagement Chaggim and traditions encourage a sense of heritage. For example the Pesach Seder and the UJEB Community Chagim Events like the Shavuot Family Day.

COMMUNITY

An opportunity to explore Jewish Organisations and their role in Jewish Life as well as the broader Jewish community in context with Israel.

INCLUSIVITY

By learning from others, with guided care, empathy and respect the result is a warm community spirit.

Curriculum

Knowledge:

Jewish life is dynamic, rich, and evolving – a living culture that deepens as children grow.

Our curriculum is designed to grow right alongside your child.

At UJEB, learning about Jewish life is a continuous journey rather than a single lesson.

A story or holiday experienced in the early years takes on fresh meaning as students mature, transforming initial familiarity into personal insight, deep understanding, and an enduring sense of belonging.

Rather than simple repetition, each stage adds new layers of meaning, thoughtfully structured across three distinct levels:

Junior: Children explore what we celebrate and how. Through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and music, they discover the joy of Jewish holidays, key symbols, and the rhythm of the Jewish year.
Intermediate: Students move from familiarity to active inquiry. They explore the history, central figures, and core values behind traditions, connecting key practices to shared community identity.
Senior: Older students engage with deeper questions, foundational texts, and contemporary ideas. They discuss timeless Jewish concepts and explore how these values guide their choices, relationships, and modern lives.

By returning to central themes with greater depth at each stage, Jewish learning remains fresh, meaningful, and personally relevant throughout primary school.

Values:

At the heart of Jewish Life is character, community, and active connection. We don’t just teach traditions; we nurture the core values that shape how students treat others, make decisions, and navigate the modern world.

Through our curriculum, students cultivate:

Identity & Pride: Experiencing the warmth of Jewish culture, understanding the rhythm of our calendar, and feeling a deep, lasting sense of belonging within our shared story.
Community & Belonging (Kehillah): Developing pride in their heritage, building strong connections to the broader Jewish community and Israel, and gaining the confidence to participate actively in Jewish life.
Responsibility & Action (Tikkun Olam & Tzedakah): Discovering how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life, inspiring everyday acts of fairness, kindness, and personal responsibility in their local and global communities.
Critical & Ethical Thinking: Engaging in open discussions about ancient texts and modern issues, building empathy, self-reflection, and clear expression along the way.

Through knowledge, values, and shared experiences, UJEB helps build the next generation of active, engaged, and proud community members. Every lesson is an invitation to belong.

Discover how Jewish Life can enrich your child’s primary school journey.

Curriculum

Term 1

TOPIC	YEAR 1	YEAR 2
Connection	Jewish Year: the Jewish Calendar	Jewish Year: the Jewish Calendar
Chaggim	Tu – Bishvat Purim: Heroes Pesach: Courage and Leaders	Tu – Bishvat Purim: Good vs Evil Pesach: Slavery to Freedom
Jewish Values	Tzedakah & Kehillah	Chesed, Tikun Olam, and Hachlalah
Bible Stories	Esther & Moses	Esther, Mordechai & Moses
Israel	Introduction to Israel	Window to Israel: Belonging

Term 2

TOPIC	YEAR 1	YEAR 2
Connection	Shabbat Jewish Symbols	Shabbat: It’s Special Together
Chaggim	Lag Ba’Omer Shavuot	Lag Ba’Omer: Heroes and Light Shavuot: Receiving, Learning & Growing
Jewish Values	Tzedakah & Kehillah	Tikkun Olam, Kehillah & Limud
Bible Stories	10 Commandments & Story of Ruth	10 Commandments & The Creation
Israel	Yom Ha’atzmaut	Yom Ha’atzmaut & Israeli Personalities

Term 3

TOPIC	YEAR 1	YEAR 2
Connections	Tikkun Olam	Shalom Bayit & Derech Eretz
Chaggim	Celebrating Tishrei High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah)	Celebrating Tishrei High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah)
Jewish Values	Jewish Symbols in the Synagogue	One Community – Different ways
Bible Stories	Yonah and the Whale	Abraham and Sarah: Hachnasat Orhchim
Israel	Israel -4 Major Cities	Israel: Ancient, Modern, and Amazing

Term 4

TOPIC	YEAR 1	YEAR 2
Connection	Our Local Community The Jewish Year in Revision	Tefillah Many Flavours, One Community Exploring food from different Jewish communities.
Chaggim	Chanukah: Heroes of Good	Chanukah: Lighting the way
Jewish Values	Me and my Family Journey	Achrayut
Bible Stories	Noah and the Ark	David and Goliath: Courage and Confidence Jacob’s Dream: Hope, G-d’s promises
Israel	Israel – Food and Culture Israeli Innovations	Israel: A Land of Nature