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Faith Traditions

General Resources
		Religion Showcase (website will open in a new browser window) Select a religious tradition from a drop down menu on this site to read an overview of that faith's thought, beliefs, and practices. Twelve major world religious traditions and spiritual styles are included. Each page summarizes the religious tradition and provides links to web sites with additional information. The site is a resource of the Center for Youth Studies.
	Buddhist Resources
		The History, Philosophy and Practice of Buddhism (website will open in a new browser window) This is an educational web site which provides an overview of Buddhism, including explanations of: The differences between the two major schools of Buddhism (Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism) The Four Noble Truths The Eightfold Path Buddhist symbols Other elements of the faith The site is developed and maintained by Mary Hendriks, co-owner of eSilkRoad. Buddhanet: Buddhist Information and Education Network (website will open in a new browser window) Buddhanet offers basic study guides to Buddhism as well as an e-library, audio, news, and other Buddhist resources. "BuddhaNet is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. (BDEA), which was first established as a Vipassana Meditation Centre over nine years ago in Sydney by an Australian meditation monk Ven. Pannyavaro. BDEA has since evolved as a Buddhist Information and Education Service" (from their web site).
	Hindu Resources
		A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe (website will open in a new browser window) These nine beliefs offer a basic summary of Sanatana Dharma's spirituality. This article appears on Beliefnet, an independent "multi-faith e-community" providing information and inspiration on a variety of religions and spiritual belief systems. Puja: Expressions of Hindu Devotion (website will open in a new browser window) This site from the Smithsonian Institution explores Hindu worship known as puja which is the act of showing reverence to a god or to aspects of the divine. The online guide for educators offers background information, activities, a bibliography and a resource list about puja. The site complements the award-winning exhibition "Puja: Expressions of Hindu Devotion" that was on exhibition at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the national museum of Asian art at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hinduism (and then some) (website will open in a new browser window) An introduction to Core Beliefs, Origins, Geography, Religious Rituals, Gods and Goddesses, Sacred Places, Saints, Sacred Texts, and Symbols of Hinduism. Web site was created by the 1997-1998 World Studies Class Hinduism Option at The Arkansas School for Math and Science. The Hindu Universe (website will open in a new browser window) Information and links to many aspects of Hinduism and Hindu life. (Note: site contains random web ads, some of which may not be suitable for children.)
	Islam Resources
		Islam: Empire of Faith (website will open in a new browser window) The companion web site to the the PBS video series Islam: Empire of Faith. Resources include: An introduction to Islam including God (Allah), the Five Pillars of Islam, the Koran and Tradition, and Islam Today A look at Islamic culture including art, architecture, and literature The role of Muslims in significant innovations in math, engineering, astronomy, medicine, and paper and publishing Profiles of major figures in Islamic history and faith A timeline Educational resources for teachers to use with the video A behind-the-scenes look at making the video series Understanding Islam and Muslims (website will open in a new browser window) Offers short answers to numerous questions such as: What is Islam? Who are the Muslims? What do Muslims believe? Do Islam and Christianity have different origins? Who is Muhammad? What is the Qu'ran? What are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam ? What do Muslims think about Jesus? Why is the family so important to Muslims? What does Islam say about war? How does Islam guarantee human rights? Islam in the United States The Muslim World The web page was incorporated from the book, Understanding Islam and the Muslims, prepared by The Islamic Affairs Department, The Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington DC., Consultants The Islamic Texts Society, Cambridge, UK, 1989.
	Jewish Resources
		Judaism 101 (website will open in a new browser window) Judaism 101 is an online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays, practices and customs. This web site, authored by Tracy R. Rich, has clear and easily understood information about Jewish holidays and practices, as well as about people, places, things, language, scripture, and customs. The web site includes audio clips, such as Jewish music appropriate to various holidays and celebrations and the sound of a shofar. Writing predominantly from the Orthodox perspective, Ms. Rich is a traditional observant Jew who is Educational Director for LegalEdge Software and a member of Congregation Or Shalom, a Conservative synagogue in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Learn About The Jewish Game Of Dreidel (website will open in a new browser window) Simple instructions, including a pattern, for making a dreidel. Site also explains the meaning of the Hebrew letters on each side of the dreidel and describes how to play the game. Speak Hebrew with Moshe and Leah (website will open in a new browser window) Join Moshe, Leah and friends on their first day speaking Hebrew. An armchair adventure as they pick up their first Hebrew words. Designed for children, this web page is part of Jewish Literacy site published by Aish HaTorah. The animation on the site requires the free Flash player from Macromedia.
	Sikh Resources
		Gateway to Sikhism (website will open in a new browser window) An extensive site of resources and information on Sikh history, gurus, way of life, scriptures, sacred places, and FAQs. Sikhism Home Page (website will open in a new browser window) This site offers an introduction to Sikhism and its history, beliefs, philosophy, and way of life. Gurmukhi - The Sikh Alphabet (website will open in a new browser window) An illustration and explanation of the Gurmukhi Alphabet with its 35 letters and nine vowel modifiers.