Religious Rituals

Match one religious ritual to the world religion with which it is most associated with

Blowing shofar - Judaism

Describe what is involved in a religious ritual that is associated with the world religion that you have ticked above

• Touching the mezuzah is a daily ritual
• The mezuzah is a wooden box installed in the doorframe of Jewish homes
• Jews touch the mezuzah as they enter and leave the house
• The Shema is handwritten on scrolls in the wooden box
• Jews are reminded that there is only one God and that he is good, fair and just

Examine how the religious beliefs of a major world religion are expressed in a religious ritual

• Jews recite the Shema twice daily as a daily ritual
• When Jews recite the words of the Shema, they are reminded that there is only one
• God and that he is good, fair and just
• The Shema is located in Deuteronomy 6:4-5
• The words of the Shema are found in the mezuzah handwritten on scrolls

Outline two ways that the members of a major world religion can benefit from participating in religious rituals

• Members of a major world religion can express their beliefs in their faith that can be difficult to express through words
• Rituals give them an opportunity to tighten their belief and faith in their God or Gods
• Participating in religious rituals allows members to share their faith with other members
• They can also witness their faith being practised by others

Outline the religious meaning of one ritual that marks an important time of year for members of a major world religion

• In Judaism, during Passover, the family eat the Seder meal
• Each piece of food on the Seder meal represents something important, usually in the history of the Jews
• The lamb bone - blood of lamb smeared on doors to protect the household from the Angel of Death
• Horseradish - bitter years of slavery in Egypt
• Haroset - mud bricks in Egypt
• Green herbs - spring festival
• Egg - new life
• Matzot - unleavened bread
• Saltwater - tears
• Wine - promise God made to Moses