Download File - Mr. Haley at Moscow Middle School

Middle Eastern Religions Lesson
Content Objectives:
Language Objectives:
Background Information:
Day 1: 50 Minutes
Students will complete 2/3 stations. They will have twenty minutes to complete each station
Day 2: 72 minutes
Finish last station
Students create Venn Diagrams individually
PPT to go through Venn information together
Critical thought question
Assessment:
Completed packet/Venn Diagram
Completed Critical Thought Question
Stacey, G. (2007). Religions of the Middle East. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac Library.
Judaism
Name_________________
Christianity
Date __________________
Directions: Compare
Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam in the Venn diagram.
Use your worksheet from the
station activity.
Islam
Judaism: Beliefs and Beginnings
Judaism is a monotheistic faith, meaning that Jews believe there is only one god. They
believe that while often this god is beyond our ability to comprehend, God is present in
people’s everyday lives. Jews believe that every person is equally important and has an
infinite potential to do good in the world. They also feel that people have the free will to
make choices in their lives and that each of us is responsible for the consequences of
those choices. All Jews, wherever they live in the world, are considered part of a global
Jewish community.
The ideas and beliefs at the core of Judaism developed gradually. There was no single
founder, but Jews believe two men played a very important part in shaping early beliefs:
Abraham and Moses.
Holy Books
The Jewish scriptures, known as the Tanakh, are a collection of books divided into three
sections: the Torah (teachings), the Nevi’im (the prophets), and the Ketuvim (the
writings). These books were written in Hebrew over many centuries by different authors.
The Torah is Judaism's most important text. The Torah
contains the five books of Moses- Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books are
also in the Old Testament of the Bible. The books of
Moses tell the story of the Jewish people from the time
of Abraham to the death of Moses. Jews believe that the
Torah contains instructions from God as to how they
should live, including his requirement to live the Ten
Commandments.
Fun Facts
\
 According to Jewish tradition, anyone who has a Jewish mother is a Jew
 Many Jews only eat kosher foods— foods that have been prepared a specific way
that aligns with Jewish law
 The holy city for the Jews is Jerusalem. Find it on the map!
 The little hat worn in public or during prayer by Jewish men is called a yarmulke
(pronounced ya-ma-ka). See Picture A.
Jewish Holy Days and Celebrations
Rosh HaShanah
Time of Year: September. Rosh HaShanah is the Jewish New Year. During this two-day
observance, Jews examine their lives, repent for wrongs committed during the previous
year, and make amends.
Yom Kippur
Time of Year: September or October. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, falls 10 days
after Rosh HaShanah. The day’s purpose is bringing about reconciliation between
individuals and God. The day is marked by fasting and attending worship services at
synagogues. In the 10 days leading up to the holiday, Jews engage in a process of
repentance (teshuvah), where they ask forgiveness from—and reconcile with—anyone
whom they may have offended.
Hanukkah
Time of Year: December. Hanukkah is celebrated with lights and rejoicing. It reminds
Jew of when their ancestors recaptured the Holy Temple in Jerusalem over two thousand
years ago. At that time, according to the story, the Jews could find only enough oil to
burn the holy temple light for one day. The light is believed to have continued burning
miraculously for eight days! To honor this miracle, Jews light a menorah, and often
exchange gifts for eight days. See Picture B. for an illustration of a menorah.
Worship
Jews can worship at home or at a synagogue. A synagogue is the equivalent of a Jewish
church or congregation. Services are offered at the synagogue every day, but most Jews
attend the synagogue on the Sabbath (or Shabbat in Hebrew). The Jewish Sabbath begins
at sunset on Friday night and continues until the stars appear on Saturday. Strict Jews do
no work on the Sabbath, including cooking and driving.
Prayers in the synagogue are led by a rabbi, the spiritual leader for the Jewish
community. See picture C for an example of a rabbi.
Picture A.
Jewish men wearing
yarmulkes
Picture B.
A menorah used in the
celebration of Hanukkah
Picture D.
The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem
Picture C.
A Rabbi
Christianity: Beliefs and Beginnings
Christianity is the world's largest religion, with about 2.1 billion followers throughout the globe.
Christianity is also the United States’ biggest religion. Under the umbrella of Christianity, there
are hundreds of denominations; about a quarter of all people in the U.S. identify with the Roman
Catholic Christian denomination, while about half identify with one of the Protestant Christian
denominations such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Latter-day Saint (Mormon) or one of many
others. Each denomination may have somewhat different practices, even though it shares beliefs
common to most Christians.
Christians believe that there is only one god (monotheism). They also believe that 2,000 years
ago in what is now Israel, God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to earth to save humans from the
consequences of their sins (wrongdoings in the eyes of God). Christians believe that Jesus gave
his life by being crucified (nailed to a wood cross) and on the third day rose from the dead (was
resurrected). Christians also believe in the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God who continues God’s
work on the Earth.
Christianity began about two thousand years ago in Palestine, which was then part of the Roman
Empire.
Holy Books
The Christian holy book is called the Bible. The Bible is made up of the Old Testament and the
New Testament and was written by many different authors. The Old Testament is made up of the
Jewish holy books, the Torah, the Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim. The New Testament books were
written in the first century A.D. by Christians who were the early followers of Jesus. The mostloved books of the New Testament are the four Gospels, which tell of Jesus’ life and teachings.
The later books of the New Testament were written by early church leaders to give guidance and
comfort to early persecuted Christians.
Fun Facts


The first Christians were Jews who came to believe Jesus was the Messiah. Gentiles
(non-Jews) also made up a large majority of its followers, as is the case today.
The Bible has been translated into Klingon for Star Trek enthusiasts
Christian Holy Days and Celebrations
Christmas
Time of Year: December 25. For Christians, Christmas is a holy day that marks the birth of
Jesus, believed to be the son of God. Many non-Christians also observe with secular (nonreligious) festivities. Although they differ around the world, some common ways of observing
the holiday include attending worship services, hosting gatherings with family and friends,
feasting and exchanging gifts.
Many decorate for the holiday using lights, Christmas (fir) trees, Nativity Scenes (displays
depicting the birth of Jesus), and (commonly in the United States) images of Santa Claus, a
character of legend who is believed to bring gifts to children.
Easter
Time of Year: Early Spring. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following
Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion. Churches (Christian houses of worship) are filled with
flowers, and people sing special hymns (religious songs).
Non-religious customs associated with the holiday include giving baskets of candy to children,
with reference (commonly in the United States) to a character called the Easter Bunny. The
holiday is often associated with celebrating the arrival of spring.
Worship
Christians meet to worship in a church. Services are often held in church during the week, but
the main day of worship is Sunday. Services are led by a priest, pastor, or other spiritual leaders.
At the head of the church, different denominations look to different leaders. For example, Roman
Catholics have one leader, the pope. The Orthodox Churches each have a leader called a
patriarch.
During a Christian service, the worshippers say prayers and sing hymns in praise of God. Both
the priest and other worshippers read from the Bible and the priest gives a sermon, or a talk
about the meaning of Jesus’ teachings. The service may also include a special act of worship, the
Eucharist, or Holy Communion which helps Christians remember and honor the Last Supper that
Jesus shared with his disciples before his death. Roman Catholics call this celebration in Mass; in
Orthodox Churches, it is known as the Holy Liturgy.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher: A church in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The church
contains, according to tradition, the two holiest sites in Christianity: the site where Jesus was crucified (known as
Calvary or Golgotha) and Jesus’ empty tomb (where he is said to have been buried and resurrected).
Islam: Beliefs and Beginnings
Islam is a major world religion, with over a billion followers worldwide. It is considered a
monotheistic faith (one that believes in a single god), along with Judaism and Christianity.
The word “Islam” comes from an Arabic word meaning "peace" and "submission." Islam teaches
that one can find peace in life by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. A
person who follows Islam is called a Muslim.
Islam began in modern-day Saudi Arabia in the 7th Century A.D. The Prophet Muhammad is a
central figure in Islam. He revealed the words of the Qur’an (holy book) and serves as an
example for Muslims to follow. Muslims believe that Muhammad was a prophet in a series of
prophets that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the
most important of the prophets.
There are three sacred cities in Islam: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Mecca is sacred because it
is where Muhammad received his first revelations. Medina is special because it is where the
prophet Muhammad fled after they were thrown out of Mecca in 622. Jerusalem is important
because of its connection to the early prophets and as the site where Muhammad ascended to
Heaven.
Holy Books
Muslims believe that all the important teachings of Islam are contained in the Qur’an (sometimes
written as Koran). The words in the Qur’an are believed to be the literal words of Allah. The
Qur’an is divided into 114 suras, or chapters, which give guidance on all aspects of religion and
everyday life.
The Hadith are a collection of stories and sayings from the life and teachings of Muhammad. The
Hadith are often consulted to clarify areas where the Qur’an is unclear.
Fun Facts
 Although Islam is usually associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of
Muslims are, in fact, Arab. Muslims are found all over the world. The country with the
largest population of Muslims is Indonesia with approximately 205 million followers.
Islamic Holy Days and Celebrations
Ramadan
Time of Year: Different every year due to the Muslim calendar that is based on the lunar cycle,
but typically begins in June, July or August. Muslims who are physically able fast (do not eat)
each day of the entire month of Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent
enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading
from the Qur’an (holy book). Eid al-Fitr (Breaking of the Fast) is celebrated at the end of the
month of Ramadan.
Hajj
Time of Year: Usually late November. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world
make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Pilgrims gather to
perform rituals dating back to ancient times. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once
in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able.
When the pilgrims return to their home countries, they do so spiritually refreshed and forgiven of
their sins (wrongdoings in God's eyes). After the completion of Hajj, Muslims around the world
observe a special holiday called Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice).
Worship
Muslims can pray to Allah anywhere, but they will often go to a mosque to do so. A mosque is a
center of Islamic learning as well as prayer and is the heart of a Muslim community. Muslims
can attend the mosque every day, but Friday prayers are special because the imam (or prayer
leader) gives a sermon. In Islam, men and women pray separately. Before praying, worshippers
must wash face, arms, head, and feet. Then, they must follow a precise order of movements
including standing, bowing, kneeling, and placing their foreheads on the ground.
There are no ordained priests in Islam. Muslims believe that all guidance comes from Allah and
can be found in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith.
Muslims are taught to submit completely to the will of Allah and to follow the Five Pillars of
Islam. These five duties govern every aspect of Muslim life and unite all Muslims. The Five
Pillars are shahada (creed; there is only one God and Muhammad is the prophet), salat (prayer; 5
times a day), zakut (almsgiving), saum (fasting; from sunrise to sunset), and hajj (pilgrimage; to
Mecca once in your lifetime, if you can afford to).
The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Dome of the Rock
is important to both Muslims and Jews because they believe it is built on the site where Abraham
attempted to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Muslims also believe that it contains the stone from where
Muhammad’s body was ascended to Heaven.
Medina
Mecca
The Kaaba is a building at the center of Islam’s most sacred mosque in Mecca. It is considered the “House of
Allah” and has a similar role to the Tabernacle in Judaism. Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected
to face the Kaaba when praying. One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim who is able to do so to
perform the Hajj and journey to the Kaaba at least once in their life, if they can afford to.
Name________________________________________________________ Date______________________________
Middle Eastern Religions Station Activity
Use the readings and pictures at each station to answer the questions below.
Station 1: Judaism
Judaism is a monotheistic religion. Monotheism
means…
Write down two things Jews believe:
1.
2.
Name the three sections of the Tanakh that make up
the Jewish scriptures:
The Torah is made up of the five books of Moses.
These books are:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
5.
What are two similarities between the holy
celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
When is the Jewish Sabbath? What are Jews not
allowed to do on the Sabbath?
*Using the map and pictures at your station, label Jerusalem on the map in the back of your packet.
Station 2: Christianity
List at least three Christian denominations:
Name the three beings/parts of God.
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
What are some of the differences between the Old
Testament and the New Testament?
What are some Christian Christmas traditions?
Why do Christians celebrate Easter?
Why do Christians take the Holy Communion or the
Eucharist?
What are the two holy sites contained in the Church
of the Holy Sepulcher, according to tradition? Why
would this make the Church so special?
Which day of the week is
considered the primary
worship day?
*Circle Jerusalem on
your map!
Station 3: Islam
What does ‘Islam’ mean?
Who are the prophets Muslims believe in? Which
prophet is the most important?
Why is the Qur’an so important to Muslims?
During Ramadan, when do Muslims fast?
Why is the Dome of the Rock a holy site for both
Jews and Muslims?
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Which day of the week is
considered the primary
worship day?
*Label Medina and
Mecca on your map at
the back of your
packet!
Why is the Kaaba so important? How does it relate to
the Five Pillars of Islam?
Mapping Activity
Label the cities of Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina.
What holy sites are located in each city and which religion do they represent?
Jerusalem:
Mecca:
Medina:
*Think—what are some similarities between the three religions?