As part of our Grade 5 'Who We Are' unit on World Religions, students embarked on an enriching and insightful exploration of five of the world's major religions that have shaped cultures and communities around the globe: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism. In line with our inquiry-based approach, our students have been investigating how religion, culture, and identity are deeply interconnected, and how understanding these connections helps to foster a greater sense of empathy and respect for others. In early November, Grade 5 took a trip to Halifax to see the places of worship for people practicing Judaism and Hinduism in the city.
“[Mrs.] Raj said how they moved here from India and they don't just have a culture and religion in India but when they moved here they made a society and a community. And for the rabbi [Rabbi Karlin] he said like he and other Jews are not just Jewish in faith but they are Jewish between communities and people don't just go to a synagogue to pray but to be there to connect.” - Aella
A Visit to Shaar Shalom Congregation Synagogue
The field trip began with a visit to the Shaar Shalom Congregation Synagogue in Halifax, where students had the opportunity to meet with Rabbi Karlin. The Rabbi graciously guided the students through the sacred space, explaining the rituals, symbols, and traditions that are central to Judaism. Students learned about the significance of the Torah, and the role of community in Jewish worship. In this picture are scrolls with handwritten scriptures from the Torah.
One of the most important aspects of this visit was the conversation about identity. Rabbi Karlin explained how Jewish identity is not just about religious belief, but also about community, history, and tradition. Students had the chance to ask questions about how Jewish people live their faith day to day, and how their religious practices shape their culture and sense of belonging.
A Visit to Vedanta Ashram Society Hindu Temple
Next, our exploration took us to the Vedanta Ashram Society Hindu Temple in Halifax, where students learned about the rich spiritual and cultural practices of Hinduism. The visit was led by chairwoman Mrs. Raj Verma, who introduced the students to the core beliefs of Hinduism, such as the concepts of dharma (duty), and karma (the law of cause and effect). There was an emphasis of love and respect for everyone, regardless of background or faith, providing a strong connection to the unit's idea that international mindedness affects relationships.
Inside the temple, students observed the beautifully decorated shrines and idols, each representing different deities within the Hindu belief system. Mrs. Verma explained how these deities are manifestations of different aspects of the divine, and how Hindu worship practices are focused on fostering harmony with both the physical and spiritual worlds.
“I enjoyed looking at the statues in the hindu temple and the Torah in the synagogue. They were very beautiful. The person at the hindu temple said that there is one God that has many forms and each part has an important role to do.” - Teo
Students reflected on how Hinduism views the interconnectedness of all life, and how one's actions, intentions, and beliefs shape one's identity and place in the world. They also discussed the diversity within Hinduism, with its many paths, practices, and rituals, all of which contribute to the shaping of cultural identity.
Exploring Similarities and Differences
Throughout both visits, students were encouraged to reflect on the similarities and differences between Judaism and Hinduism. By comparing the two religions, students began to recognize that, while the rituals, beliefs, and practices may differ, the core values of respect, compassion, and community are universal. Both religions emphasize the importance of moral living, care for others, and the pursuit of a meaningful life that connects the individual to a higher purpose.
In our classroom discussions, students explored big questions such as:
How do religious beliefs shape our sense of identity and culture?
What do we learn from the ways different religions teach us to live with respect for others?
In what ways can learning about other religions help us build a more peaceful and understanding world?
These reflections allowed students to deepen their understanding of how religion shapes personal and collective identity and how learning about different cultures can broaden our worldview.
“I loved all parts of the field trip and I learned that there is so much more than you think there is in religion! I loved the sculptures in the hindu temple and I was amazed how many torahs they had in the synagogue. I also learned that it takes 1 year or more to make a torah scroll because it's handwritten! The people that we met were soooo kind.💗 I'm glad that we went, we should go again. I would LOVE to!!!!!” - Izumi
We would like to thank Rabbi Karlin from the Shaar Shalom Synagogue and Mrs. Raj Verma of the Vedanta Ashram Society Hindu Temple for their warm hospitality and for sharing their knowledge and insights with our students. Their willingness to engage with our class has played an important role in fostering curiosity, understanding, and respect among our learners.
Learning in Action
As we concluded this unit of inquiry, students presented research on one of the world’s major religions through a Cultural Fair presentation. The school community was invited to explore and engage with the students' learning, celebrating their knowledge and insights. To further highlight their work, please view the video link below, which showcases the students' learning journey throughout the unit.
Comments