Exam Prep

• Introduction (First part)

  Lifecycle rituals are practices derived from Sacred Texts and Religious writings of various cultures. These rituals are used to signify rites of passage, which mark the transition from one phase of life to another and is recognized as a crucial part of that religion fostering a sense of community and shaping their beliefs.
• Introduction (Second Part)

  The Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Judaism and Upanayana (Sacred Thread Ceremony) in Hinduism are two key rites of passage that mark significant transition in young people’s lives. Although they have distinct characteristics, both the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Upanayana hold significant influence on the lives of its adherents, society and culture.
• Paragraph 1 Sentence Starter

  Judaism and Hinduism have distinct characteristics and initiation rites that are crucial to the lives of their adherents.
• Origin of Judaism = Traces back to when Abraham made a covenant with God
• Origin of Hinduism = dates back 5000 years ago in India with no known founders.
• Core Belief of Judaism - Belief in one God
• Practises in Judaism

  • Daily Prayers
  • Observing rituals such as Shabbat and Pessach (Passover)
  • Follow the Kashrut dietary law
• Practises in Hinduism

  • The four Yogas
  • Karma Yoga - path of action
  • Jnana Yoga - path of knowledge
  • Raja Yoga - path of meditation
  • Bhakti Yoga - path of devotion
  • daily puja (way of worship)
• What is the Universal law of Hinduism

  Karma
• What is the law of Karma?

  The cause and effect which holds the person responsible for their actions
• Van Genneps Analysis - Separation (HInduism)

  Participants enact a ritual bath to prepare them for the ritual, and are also dressed as an ascetic before meeting the guru.
• Van Genneps Analysis - Transition (HInduism)

  The participant meets with the guru who bestows upon him a deerskin, a staff and the sacred thread
• Van Genneps Analysis - Reincorporation (HInduism)

  Celebration of the new status and completion of the initiation ritual occurs once the participant kindles the sacrificial fire and begs for alms.
• Van genneps analysis - separation (Judaism)

  Represents the initial departure from childhood = Study and Preparation
• Van genneps analysis - Transition (Judaism)


  Central point of the Bar Mitzvah. The symbolic transition from childhood to adulthood = Bar Mitzvah Ceremony.
• Van genneps analysis - Incorporation (Judaism)


  Integration of the Bar Mitzvah candidate into their adult role within the Jewish community = Celebration and continued journey.
• Paragraph 2 : SS

  Arnold Van Gennep's theory on rites of passage provides a framework to differentiate between the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Upanayana.
• Paragraph 3: SS

  The Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Upanayana hold profound importance and influence in their respective cultures.