Test 3: World Religions (Judaism, Sikhism, Islam)

Bar / Bat Mitzvah

Religion: Judaism
What: A coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys (Bar, age 13) and girls (Bat, age 12 or 13).
So What: It marks when a person becomes religiously responsible for following Jewish law and participating fully in Jewish life.

2. Diaspora

Religion: Judaism (also applies historically to others)
What: The scattering of Jewish people outside of their homeland (Israel).
So What: It explains why Jewish communities exist all over the world and shaped Jewish culture, worship, and identity.

3. Gurdwara

Religion: Sikhism
What: The Sikh place of worship.
So What: It is where Sikhs gather to pray, serve others, and read from the Guru Granth Sahib.

4. Hajj

Religion: Islam
What: The holy pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims must take at least once if they are able.
So What: It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and strengthens unity and faith among Muslims.

5. Kaaba

Religion: Islam
What: A sacred black cube located in the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca.
So What: Muslims pray facing the Kaaba, and it is the main destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.

6. Mool Mantra

Religion: Sikhism
What: The opening prayer of Sikhism that describes God’s nature.
So What: It defines core Sikh beliefs about one, eternal, and truthful God.

7. Panth

Religion: Sikhism
What: The worldwide community of Sikhs.
So What: It emphasizes equality, unity, and collective responsibility among Sikhs.

8. Pesach

Religion: Judaism
What: The Hebrew name for Passover, which remembers the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.
So What: It teaches freedom, faith in God, and remembrance of Jewish history.

9. Sarbat de Bhalla

Religion: Sikhism
What: A Sikh phrase meaning “the well-being of all people.”
So What: It shows that Sikhs believe in helping everyone, not just their own community.

10. Sawm

Religion: Islam
What: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
So What: It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and teaches self-control, gratitude, and devotion to God.

11. Seva

Religion: Sikhism
What: Selfless service to others.
So What: It is a core Sikh duty that shows equality, humility, and care for all people.

12. Shabbat

Religion: Judaism
What: The Jewish day of rest from Friday night to Saturday night.
So What: It reminds Jews to rest, worship God, and focus on family and faith.

13. Sunnah

Religion: Islam
What: The practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
So What: It helps Muslims understand how to live their lives according to God’s will.

14. Tanakh

Religion: Judaism
What: The sacred Hebrew Bible (Torah, Prophets, and Writings).
So What: It is the main religious text that guides Jewish law, history, and beliefs.

15. Umma

Religion: Islam
What: The worldwide community of Muslims.
So What: It shows the importance of unity, brotherhood, and shared responsibility in Islam.

Islam (Material)

Kaaba

-Means the Cube

-Housed in te Mosque of Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

-Pilgrims during Hajj make 7 rotations around the Kaaba

Islam (Experiential)

The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca

-Any Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to go at least once in their lifetime

Islam (Ritual)

Five Daily Prayers (Salat)
Muslims pray five times a day facing Mecca.

Islam (Mythical)

Revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad
God revealed His final message through the angel Gabriel.

Islam (Doctrinal)

Qur’an-Holy book of Islam with the teachings of Muhammad

Judaism (Ritual)

Keeping Shabbat (Sabbath) every week
Jews rest, pray, and spend time with family from Friday night to Saturday night.

Judaism (Mythic)

The Exodus (Moses leads Israelites out of Egypt)
This story shows how God saved the Jewish people from slavery.

Judaism (Doctrinal)

Belief in one God (Monotheism)
God is the only true God and the creator of everything.

Judaism (Ethical)

Following the Ten Commandments
Teaches Jews how to treat God and other people correctly.

Judaism (Social)

Synagogue
Jews gather in synagogues for worship and learning,

Judaism (Material)

Torah Scrolls
The sacred physical scriptures read during services.

Judaism (Experiential)

Feeling close to God during prayer or Bar/Bat Mitzvah
A personal moment of faith and connection to God.

Sikhism (Ritual)

Langar (community meal at the gurdwara)
Sikhs eat together after worship as a sign of equality and community.

Sikhism (Mythic)

Life of Guru Nanak
Stories of the first Sikh Guru teach equality, devotion to God, and rejection of caste.

Sikhism (Doctrinal)

Adi Granth- 914 poems written by Guru Nanak compiled by Guru Arjan for teaching future Sikhs to pratice following God

Sikhism (Ethical)

Seva (selfless service)
Sikhs are expected to serve others without expecting anything in return.

Sikhism (Social)

The Panth and the Gurdwara
The Sikh community (Panth) worships and serves together in the gurdwara.

Sikhism (Material)

The 5 Ks (Kesh-Uncut hair, Kara-steel wristband, Kanga-small comb, Kachera-undergarment, Kirpan-sword)
These physical items show faith, discipline, and Sikh identity.

Sikhism (Experiential)

Feeling close to God through meditation on God’s name (Naam Simran)
Sikhs experience a personal spiritual connection through prayer and meditation.