Religious Site Reflection

I went on a bus. It was fun. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.






































































Just kidding. The field trip was a very informative and awesome experience. Each religion is beautiful in their own unique ways. It was amazing to see the intricacy of the beliefs, yet the underlying simplistic nature of respect each religion has for any other religion. My favorite part was listening to the Rabbi make the connection to Tibetan Buddhism. Whether on purpose or not he did an excellent job speaking. This is the second year I've been on this trip, and just like last year, I was awed at the extreme differences in culture and faith that were so close in distance. Thank you for this experience.


First stop: Islamic Center
The implementation of a school into the center seems just like a Catholic school, in the fact that children are taught everything needed for school exams, just the added religious classes. All of the men and women we encountered were very nice and respectful. The presentations when we were in the mosque were very interesting (although seemed very advanced for their age) and the recitations were beautiful and equally impressive.

Second Stop: Buddhist center
When the bus pulled up to this tiny building in what seemed to be the middle of nowhere, I didn't give it much thought. However the decorative design inside was quite pleasing actually. To listen to the nuns that seemed very down to earth and very knowledgeable about their faith was interesting. Much focus was spent on the Dalai Lama, which was frustrating, but understandable.

Third Stop: Hindu Temple
Looking out of the window and seeing this elaborate white detailed building was a treat in itself. You KNEW that you had just pulled up to a Hindu temple because you could see it from a quarter mile away. Our tour guide was late, but it gave us an opportunity to explore the compound. We were escorted into the temple and treated to a ritual (which I cannot remember the name of) and given much information about the religion. However, what I remember most is just the detail of everything there.

Fourth Stop: Jewish Synagogue
Being asked to wear a yarmulke was somewhat strange to me personally, but it is understandable within the confines of Judaism. I mentioned it before, the rabbi was an excellent speaker and made the experience all the more enjoyable. Although tired from the day of activity, he held my attention especially when he showed us the torah scroll. He was very open to showing us everything which made it extremely interesting.