In short...
Themes: Moses; the Jewish festival of Passover; trusting in God; being a good leader.
Summary: This assembly, suitable for an act of collective worship, starts with a game of follow-my-leader. This leads to the story of Moses - the great Jewish leader - and the story of how he led the Jewish people out of Egypt and towards the land that God had promised them. The reflection personalises the ideas about leadership and helps the children to think about what makes a good leader.
Resources: the to download / print; an image of to display full-size.
The video
The video tells the story of Moses: his birth, his rescue by an Egyptian princess, his royal childhood and how he becomes the leader of the Jewish people, who are held captive in Egypt.
It then relates the story of the burning bush and the ten plagues that God sends against Pharaoh, including the death of first-born children.
Finally it recounts the 'Exodus' - how Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt, their pursuit by Pharaoh's army across the desert, and the parting of the Red Sea - a story that is at the heart of the festival of Passover.
Duration: 3' 51"
End of speech: '…and they continued the journey to their Promised Land, trusting in God'.
Video questions
- Where are the Jewish people living at the time of Moses? (In Egypt - where they are held captive and forced to work as slaves)
- Why does Moses' mother place him in a basket on the river? (To protect him - because Pharaoh has commanded that the first-born sons of all Jewish families be killed)
- Why must Moses run away to another land? (Moses loses his temper and kills an Egyptian guard)
- What does Moses see in the desert? (A burning bush. The bush speaks as God, telling Moses to return to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to set the Jewish people free)
- What plagues are mentioned in the story? (1. Frogs; 2. Locusts; 3. Disease of cattle; 4. The Angel of Death - causing the death of all first-born sons. The Jewish families are able to protect themselves by painting a cross in lamb's blood on their doorways - so that the plague will 'pass over'
- How do the Jewish people escape the Egyptian chariots? (Moses raises his staff and the waves of the Red Sea part, allowing the Jewish people to continue on their way. When the Egyptians try to follow the sea floods over them)
Key links
Download / print the assembly framework ready for use
Click to display a full-size image of Moses and Pharaoh
Suggested framework
1. Entry music
'Dayenu' is a traditional song that's used during Passover and there are many different versions available online, from the very traditional through to a fun 'mash up' version by the Maccabeats.
2. Introduction
Play a follow-the-leader game in which the children have to copy you (or someone nominated by you) or you could sing a follow-the-leader song, eg 'Celebration Rap' (see 'Songs' below). Then ask children to suggest to you what they think makes a good leader - and share experiences of being a leader, either in school, or somewhere else. Make the link with the today's story about an important leader from the Jewish faith, Moses. Ask the children to think about what makes Moses a good leader as they watch the video.
3. The video
Play the video. It starts with a short introduction to Judaism and Moses, an important figure in Judaism. The story about the life of Moses begins at 0' 36" which includes references to the festival of Passover, ending with the words '…and they continued the journey to their Promised Land, trusting in God.'
4. After the video
Use the story questions to help children talk about the story.
5. Time to talk
After you have recalled the main events of the story together, ask children to share their thoughts about what they think makes Moses a good leader (listening to what God told him; being brave; standing up for his people; trusting God; etc). Also discuss how they might apply these qualities or skills in their own lives.
6. Time to sing
An opportunity to sing your chosen song. Suggestions from ±«Óătv collections are below.
7. Opportunity for reflection
We've been thinking today about the great leader, Moses…
How he listened to God and bravely led the Jewish people out of Egypt…
I wonder what you think made him a good leader…?
Think to yourself for a few moments now…
We've also thought today about times when we've been a leader…and about what makes a good leader…
I wonder what you might need to do to be an even better leader the next time you're asked…?
8. Opportunity for prayer
Dear God.
Thank you for this ancient story of Moses and how he listened to your voice…
How he stood up to Pharaoh and led the people out of Egypt to the land that you had promised.
Thank you for the things that we can learn from this story about being a good leader.
Amen.
Suggested songs
'God is watching over you' (All about our school, no 7)
God is watching over you,
When you lay down to sleep,
When you wake he will keep
Always watching over you,
Now and forever more.God is watching over you,
When you lay down to sleep,
When you wake he will keep
Always watching over you,
Now and forever more.
Now and forever more.
The Lord's my shepherd - Come and Praise, no 56
'Celebration rap' (Come and Praise Beginning, no 7).
(1) Come and shout for joy!
(2) Come and shout for joy!
(1) Come and shout for joy
and clap your hands!
(2) Come and shout for joy
and clap your hands!
(1) Come and shout for joy
and clap your hands
and stamp your feet!
(2) Come and shout for joy
and clap your hands
and stamp your feet!
(1) Come and shout for joy
and clap your hands
and stamp your feet
and turn around!
(2) Come and shout for joy
and clap your hands
and stamp your feet
and turn around!
| Song | Collection | Significant words |
|---|---|---|
| 'Christmas time' | Come and Praise: Beginning, no 47 | Change 'festival' to 'Passover / Pesach Time' and omit verses 2 and 7 |
| 'Clap hands' | Come and Praise: Beginning, no 57 | Change festival to 'Passover' |
| 'Celebration rap' | Come and Praise: Beginning, no 7 | 'Come and shout for joy' |
Related links