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Bishop Urges Catholics to Embrace Spiritual Bonds with Jews on Yom Kippur
Confirmed
In Short: Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, urges Catholics to reject antisemitism and embrace the 'deep spiritual bonds' between the two faiths during Yom Kippur.
Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, extended his 'warmest wishes' to the Jewish community as they observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, from sunset on September 20 to nightfall on September 21.
Bambera, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, emphasized the importance of repentance and reconciliation, themes central to Yom Kippur.
Bambera also highlighted the significance of the 'deep spiritual bonds' between Catholics and Jews, stating that the relationship is 'not simply a matter of dialogue' but is 'rooted in the deep spiritual bonds' between the two ancient religions.
He urged Catholics to 'reject that form of hatred' and to deepen their understanding of Judaism and the Jewish people.
Bambera concluded his message with the traditional Jewish High Holiday greeting 'G’mar chatima tovah,' wishing for a 'good final sealing' in the divine Book of Life, which is believed to be sealed on Yom Kippur.
The bishop's message comes as some younger Jews, like Adam, who grew up in a Reform Jewish congregation, are choosing to observe Yom Kippur differently this year.
Adam, who now participates in rituals with his local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionist group, reflects a growing trend among younger Jews who are less supportive of Israel than older generations.
Despite these differences, Bambera's message underscores the importance of fostering understanding and friendship between Catholics and Jews.
Bambera's call for Catholics to embrace the spiritual bonds with Jews during Yom Kippur highlights the ongoing efforts to build genuine friendship and understanding between the two religions.
What this adds
The bishop's message is part of an ongoing dialogue between Catholics and Jews, reflecting a broader trend of interfaith engagement.
What's confirmed
- Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, extended his 'warmest wishes' to the Jewish community as they observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, from sunset on September 20 to nightfall on September 21.
- Bambera, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, emphasized the importance of repentance and reconciliation, themes central to Yom Kippur.
- Bambera also highlighted the significance of the 'deep spiritual bonds' between Catholics and Jews, stating that the relationship is 'not simply a matter of dialogue' but is 'rooted in the deep spiritual bonds' between the two ancient religions.
- He urged Catholics to 'reject that form of hatred' and to deepen their understanding of Judaism and the Jewish people.
- Bambera concluded his message with the traditional Jewish High Holiday greeting 'G’mar chatima tovah,' wishing for a 'good final sealing' in the divine Book of Life, which is believed to be sealed on Yom Kippur.
- The bishop's message comes as some younger Jews, like Adam, who grew up in a Reform Jewish congregation, are choosing to observe Yom Kippur differently this year.
- Adam, who now participates in rituals with his local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionist group, reflects a growing trend among younger Jews who are less supportive of Israel than older generations.
- Despite these differences, Bambera's message underscores the importance of fostering understanding and friendship between Catholics and Jews.
- Bambera's call for Catholics to embrace the spiritual bonds with Jews during Yom Kippur highlights the ongoing efforts to build genuine friendship and understanding between the two religions.
What's still developing
- Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be observed in 2026 from sunset on Sept. 20 to nightfall on Sept. 21, the 10th day of the month of Tishrei in the Jewish liturgical calendar.
- “At the heart of this observance is the recognition that our relationships with God and with one another call us continually to reflection, repentance and renewal, to consider how we can live more faithfully and more generously,” said Bishop Bambera.
- “At its best, it creates friendships, builds trust, and helps us recognize our responsibilities toward one another,” Bishop Bambera said.
- The holy day for Jews involves fasting and atonement and is held in late September or early October.
- But it’s not something he can imagine doing for Yom Kippur this year, which begins Sunday night (Sept. 20).
- Surveys have repeatedly shown a difference across generational lines, with younger Jews generally being less supportive of Israel than older generations.