Religious Holy Days and Sites Quiz

Holy Days and Sites

• Judaism: Celebrates holidays like Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks), Sukkot (Tabernacles), Hanukkah (Festival of Lights), and Purim (Lots). Holy sites include the Western Wall, the Temple Mount (in Jerusalem).

• Christianity: Celebrates Christmas (birth of Jesus), Easter (resurrection of Jesus), and various other feasts. Holy sites include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem).

• Islam: Celebrates Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (sacrifice), and many other religious days. Holy sites include Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

• Hinduism: Celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, like Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and others. Holy sites include Varanasi, Rishikesh, and others.

• Buddhism: Celebrates festivals like Vesak (Buddha's birth). Holy sites are numerous, including Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and more.

• Sikhism: Celebrates festivals based on its founder and other gurus. Holy sites like the Golden Temple.

Founders and Leaders

• Judaism: Moses, considered a central prophet. Other important figures include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and various judges and kings.

• Christianity: Jesus, who Christians believe is the son of God. Important figures include the apostles, Paul, and Martin Luther.

• Islam: Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the final prophet.

• Hinduism: No single founder, but various important figures include the Rishis and the deities.

• Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).

• Sikhism: Guru Nanak.

Names for God

• Judaism: God.

• Christianity: God.

• Islam: Allah.

• Hinduism: Brahman, or various deities.

• Buddhism: No concept of a creator god.

• Sikhism: One God.

Dietary Restrictions

• Judaism: Kosher dietary laws prohibit the consumption of certain foods (pork, shellfish, etc.).

• Islam: Halal dietary laws restrict certain foods and methods of slaughter.

• Hinduism: Vegetarianism is common, though not universal.

• Buddhism: Vegetarianism is common.

Places of Worship

• Judaism: Synagogues.

• Christianity: Churches.

• Islam: Mosques.

• Hinduism: Temples.

• Buddhism: Temples, stupas, meditation halls.

• Sikhism: Gurdwaras.

Separation of Men and Women in Worship

• Islam: Common in mosques, often based on cultural traditions.

• Judaism: Varies by synagogue.

• Christianity: Varies by denomination.

• Hinduism: Traditionally less rigid.

• Buddhism: Generally less segregated.

Pilgrimage

• Judaism: Pilgrimages to Jerusalem.

• Christianity: Pilgrimages to holy sites like Jerusalem and Rome.

• Islam: Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is obligatory for those physically and financially able.

Sacred Texts

• Judaism: Torah, Talmud.

• Christianity: Bible.

• Islam: Quran.

• Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita.

• Buddhism: Tripitaka (Pali Canon).

• Sikhism: Guru Granth Sahib.

Milestones (with examples and comparison)

• Judaism: Bar/Bat Mitzvah (coming of age ceremony) -- Jewish youth take on religious responsibility at age 13.

• Christianity: Confirmation (receiving the holy spirit) -- Marks the reception of spiritual gifts.

• Islam: Aqiqah (celebrating a newborn) -- Held within 7 days of birth, a sacrifice of an animal is a part of the occasion.

• Hinduism: Naming ceremony.

• Buddhism: Teachings not focused on milestones in the same way other faiths are.

• Sikhism: Amrit-Sanchar (baptism).

Founders and Leaders (Significant Moments)

• Judaism: Moses received the Torah on Mount Sinai.

• Christianity: Jesus' death and resurrection.

• Islam: Muhammad's first revelation.

• Hinduism: Varying figures and events over millennia.

• Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment.

Symbols

• Judaism: Star of David, menorah.

• Christianity: Cross, crucifix.

• Islam: Crescent moon and star.

• Hinduism: Om, various deities' idols.

• Buddhism: Dharma wheel, buddha statues.

• Sikhism: Khanda.

Precepts

• Judaism: 10 Commandments, mitzvot.

• Christianity: Love God, love neighbor.

• Islam: Five Pillars..

• Hinduism: Dharma (righteous living).

• Buddhism: Eightfold Path.

• Sikhism: Five Ks.

Religions Recognizing Jerusalem

• Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all recognize Jerusalem as a holy city.

Meditation

• Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions use meditation extensively. Benefits include inner peace and mental clarity.

Festivals (example event)

• Event: Diwali Celebration
• Who: Local Hindu community members and interested neighbors.
• Location: Local community center.
• Date/Time: November: Day/time that fits community availability.
• Food: Vegetarian foods as per Hindu dietary laws
• Items: Diyas, decorative lamps, candles, and rangoli patterns may be common
• Prayer: Devotional songs/prayers for good luck in the next season are standard
• Activities: Diya lighting ceremony, dancing, cultural performances, sharing sweets.