Food and religion: Exploring the dietary rules of Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam

• Food Technology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Food and religion: Exploring the dietary rules of Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to discuss appropriate food choices for Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam.

This slide should clearly state the objective of the lesson.

What do you already know about the religious rules around food for Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam?

Hinduism

Hindus believe in ahimsa, or non-violence, towards all living beings, so they avoid meat, fish, and eggs. They also avoid onions, garlic, and mushrooms.

Ask students if they have ever heard of ahimsa and why they think Hindus avoid certain foods.

Judaism

Jews follow the laws of kashrut, which include only eating animals that chew their cud and have cloven hooves, such as cows and sheep. They also avoid eating meat and dairy together.

Ask students what they think the reason is for not mixing meat and dairy in Judaism.

Islam

Muslims follow the dietary laws of halal, which includes only eating meat from animals that have been slaughtered in a specific way and avoiding pork and alcohol.

Ask students if they know why pork and alcohol are forbidden in Islam.

Similarities

All three religions have dietary restrictions based on religious beliefs. They also encourage the consumption of foods that are considered pure and wholesome.

Ask students to name some other religions that have dietary restrictions.

Appropriate food choices

Appropriate food choices for Hinduism include fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Judaism includes meat from approved animals, fish, and grains. Islam includes meat from approved animals, fish, grains, and fruits.

Ask students to give an example of a food that is appropriate for each religion.

Food and culture

Food plays an important role in the culture and traditions of these three religions. Sharing meals with family and friends is a way to connect and celebrate.

Ask students if they have any personal experiences where food played a role in a cultural or religious celebration.

Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about the dietary rules of these religions, but it's important to understand and respect them.

Ask students to name some common misconceptions about the dietary rules of these religions.

Respect

Respecting the dietary rules of others is an important part of cultural and religious understanding.

Ask students to reflect on how they can show respect for the dietary rules of others.

Review

What are the dietary rules of Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam? Why is it important to respect the dietary rules of others?

This slide should be used for review and discussion before the end of the lesson.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.