Judaism is an ancient faith that began approximately four thousand years ago in the Middle East.  It is a loving and faithful Covenant devotion to one God.  God’s Divine Teaching  was revealed through the fathers and mothers, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, of the people of Israel.  This revelation was through Moses and the Prophets and Sages and is documented in the twenty-two books of the Hebrew Bible.

The goal of this Covenant with the Divine is a good life for all through adherence to God Teaching (Torah) and the Commandments (Mitzvot).  There is a tradition of community service and charitable works within the Jewish community.

Throughout history, the land of Israel was of strategic importance in the Middle East.  From ancient times to the present, Hebrews were faced with tremendous pressures and influences.  From Egypt, Babylon and Rome long ago to modern times, the people have been conquered, dispersed or persecuted.  Although this has not resulted in change in principles or institutions, the people have had to respond to these pressures and influences.  After the Roman destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which marked the end of Jewish independence in the region, the Judaism became a religion of congregations spread throughout the world.  The concepts of worship, charity and the study of God’s teaching replaced the cult of the Temple.  However, Jerusalem, Zion and the Temple have provided a unifying image for Jews throughout the world.

Judaism is not divided into denominations by creed, such as Christianity.  There are varying responses to the modern world.  These responses differ in orthodoxy, and are commonly known as Reform Judaism, Orthodox Judaism, and Conservative Judaism.

Reform, or Liberal, Judaism, is the most liberal of these movements.  Reform Jews have adapted more Western ways, may use the vernacular in worship and may practice modified versions of tradition.

Orthodox Judaism holds that the entire Jewish tradition has been handed to the people by God at Sinai.  Therefore, observance, law and tradition are unchangeable except through the procedures given at Sinai.

Conservative Judaism seeks to find a way between the positions of Reform and Orthodox practices. 

The Jewish Shabbat, Sabbath, begins Friday before sunset and continues until Saturday at sunset.  The Shabbat is considered a gift from God and celebrants are able to put aside weekday concerns and spend time for spiritual enrichment.

Before sunset on Friday afternoon, cooking and cleaning are completed.  The Shabbat begins at sunset with candles lit and a blessing given no later than eighteen minutes before sunset.  Some families may attend an evening service at the synagogue.  The Friday evening meal is a leisurely meal.  There are no specific requirements for this meal.  Challah bread is a customary food.

Worship continues on Saturday when many Jews attend services at their synagogue.  Cooking is prohibited, so lunch is usually prepared before.  Saturday afternoon is nonstructured and may be used for spiritual reflection, relaxing or visiting.

The Saturday evening Havdalah service marks the end of the Shabbat.  Participants stand together in a circle.  Blessings are said.  The ceremony is concluded with a song. 

Dietary:  Jewish scouts may practice kosher, which describes the complex dietary laws of the Jewish faith.  Each scout may “keep kosher” according to his family’s traditions, and scout leaders as well as their fellow scouts should recognize this obligation when planning and preparing food.  These dietary restrictions can be quite complicated and rather than try to interpret them, scout leaders should consult with the parent’s of Jewish scouts to learn about the family’s observances and to help the scout best participate and fulfill his obligation under the Scout Oath and Law.

Worship:  Jewish scouts must be accorded opportunities to fulfill their obligations of the Sabbath.  Some may not be able to travel by automobile on this day.  These scouts may not be able to work and perform such tasks as cooking or lighting a fire or lamp.  When possible, a rabbi may be invited to camp in conduct services on Friday night or Saturday morning.  Opportunities to attend services should be considered and made available.

Islam is the proper name of the religion revealed by Allah through human messengers – prophets to mankind.  The final revelation is Al-Quran al-Karim, Kalam-Allah (the speech of  God), as sent to the Prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E.)  Historically, Islam is embodied in the Qur’an and in the Sunnah (the final sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad) in its final and eternal form.

Islam is a monotheistic religion.  Muslims believe that the Qur’an is a verbatim revelation from Allah sent to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.  There are six articles of faith: 

There are five Pillars of Islam

Muslim scouts must be afforded the opportunity to fulfill the obligation to offer five daily worship prayers.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslim scouts will be fasting, abstaining from food or drink and idle acts from dawn until sunset.

Dietary:  Halal is the term for Islamic dietary laws. It is also the term for all permitted foods.  Haram is the term for prohibited foods.  For example, pork and birds of prey are prohibited.  Meats must be slaughtered in accordance with halal practices.  Alcohol is prohibited. and stimulating beverages such as coffee and tea may be avoided by the devout.

Fasting:  Fasting is an important part of Islamic practice.  Voluntary fasting may be practiced on Mondays and Thursdays.  Fasting is required during the month of Ramadan.  Fasting consists of abstaining from food or drink from dawn until sundown.  Obviously, scout leaders must be aware of the health concerns presented by fasting and some of the activities in which scouts may wish to participate.

Hinduism is one of the oldest and most complex of the world’s religions.  It has no single, identifiable founder.  In Hindu scripture, it is referred to as the Religion of Vedas (Scriptures) and Sangtana Dharma (Universal or Perennial Wisdom and Righteousness).  It dates back to 3000 B.C.E. and encompasses an entire culture.  While Hinduism maintains a continuity, it also demonstrates an ability for integration and assimilation of new and external influences.

The main sources of religious knowledge are the four Vedas and the Agamas.  The Vedas, or Scriptures, are heard or revealed through wise and holy sages.  They heard and saw in their hearts the various forms and names of “the One, Sacred, Ultimate Reality, Truth, God” from different perspectives.  Hindu gods and goddesses, who are worshipped with different forms and names, are really aspects of the One, all pervasive Supreme Being.  The Agamas teach union with God as a continuing process.

The individual soul reincarnates until all results, both good and bad, are resolved.  Liberation from the cycle of births and deaths can be achieved by pursuing one of the four spiritual paths to God-realization.  They are the ways of Knowledge, Love and Devotion, Selfless Action, and Meditation.  The four classic stages of life are the student, the house-holder, retirement to the woods for spiritual pursuits and renunciation,

Hindus believe that the divine aspects of God are invoked through ritual symbolism and prayers.  God appears periodically in incarnations such as Rama and Krishna.  All life is sacred and to be revered.

Many forms of worship make up the Hindu expression faith.  Meditation is an important part of Hinduism.  Scout leaders should speak to individual scouts and their parents where worship is concerned.

Dietary:  Hindu scouts may practice a variety of dietary restrictions.  Hindus avoid all foods thought to inhibit physical and spiritual growth.  Eating meat is not prohibited, but many Hindus are vegetarian because they follow the principle of ahimsa.  This is a principle of nonviolence applied to foods and the infliction of pain on animals.  Beef is never eaten because the cow is sacred.  Dairy products are beneficial for the same reason.  Devout Hindus may avoid alcohol and foods that stimulate the senses.

Sikhism was founded 500 years ago by Guru Nanak.  It is one of the youngest of the world’s religions.  His teachings involved being ever mindful of God, meditating on God’s Name, and reflecting it in all activities of daily life.  Guru Nanak’s followers are known as Sikhs, from the Sanskrit word for disciple.

The fundamental belief of Sikhism is in the One God, who is truth, fearless, not vindictive, eternal, not born nor does he die to be reborn.  Sikhs believe that haumai (self centeredness) is an attachment to greed, lust, pride, and anger.  This is the source of evil, while God is all pervading and the source of life.  In adulthood, a Sikh is initiated into full membership.  He or she promises to follow the Sikh code.  He or she vows at that time:

Sikhs do not have a priestly order, monks or nuns.  Sikh congregations are autonomous; a Sikh clergyman is the granthi.

Formal worship consists mainly of singing passages of the Guru Granth Sahib.  A passage may be read aloud and expounded on by the granthi.  Prayers are offered.

Dietary:  Sikhs abstain from eating beef and do not drink alcoholic beverages.  Pork is permitted.  Parents should be consulted for any other dietary concerns.

Clothing:  Sikhs do not cut their hair and men wear a turban rather than other types of headgear.

Historically, the origin of Christianity begins with the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe to the Son of God, his ministry, death and resurrection.  Spiritually, Christianity begins with the love of God, who loved so strongly that his son was born as a man and died for man’s salvation.  Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah, sent to redeem the world from sin and to call mankind back to God, the Father.

Since its inception, Christianity has branched out into many denominations.  These Christian families share certain fundamental beliefs and differ upon others.  All recognize, to some degree at least, the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible.  Some include additional writings and teachings based on the founders of the different movements within Christianity.

Sunday is celebrated as the Sabbath.  Christian denominations differ in there liturgies and the offering of sacraments.  Obligations to attend may vary.

In all instances, efforts should be made for Christian scouts to attend services.  A minister or priest may be invited to offer services at camp.

Dietary:  Dietary restrictions and practices vary.  Among the Protestant denominations, only Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints) and Seventh-Day Adventists have dietary laws fundamental to the faith.  Mormons avoid alcoholic beverages and some also avoid caffeine.  Some Mormons may fast one day a month and donate the food money to the poor.  Seventh-Day Adventists avoid overeating.  Many are lacto-ovo-vegetairans and if meat is eaten, pork is avoided.  Tea, coffee and alcohol are prohibited and strong seasonings and condiments are avoided.  Eating between meals is discouraged.

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which includes fourteen self-governing churches, there are numerous feast days and dietary customs.  Fast days are part of the Eastern Church and it is important to know to which denomination a scout belongs in order to accommodate fasting rules.

In the Roman Catholic Rite, several days each year are denoted feast days and fast days.  Few foods are universally associated with feast days and food traditions tend to reflect national background.  Fasting may be practiced during Lent or Advent.

Services:  For Protestant services, a local minister may preside or a layperson may conduct the service.  This should be understood by scouts, scouters and parents in advance.  Roman Catholic scouts must attend Mass conducted by an ordained priest.  Although Roman Catholic scouts may participate in interfaith services or services conducted by members of a Protestant church, this does not fulfill their obligation to attend Mass, nor can they participate in the Protestant Eucharist.  Mormons will generally provide their own service.  They do not generally participate in Protestant services.