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Bishop Urges Catholics to Embrace 'Deep Spiritual Bonds' with Jews on Yom Kippur
Confirmed
In Short: Bambera, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, urged Catholics to reject antisemitism and embrace the 'deep spiritual bonds' between Jews and Catholics.
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 Sept. 20 to nightfall on Sept. 21.
Repentance and reconciliation are central themes of Yom Kippur, and Bambera emphasized that these themes also resonate deeply with Catholics.
Bambera also highlighted the importance of building genuine friendship and understanding between the two religions, noting that it is 'not simply a matter of dialogue' but is 'rooted in the deep spiritual bonds' between the two ancient religions.
On this Yom Kippur, may the year ahead bring greater understanding, friendship and peace among our communities,' Bambera concluded, using the traditional Jewish High Holiday greeting 'G’mar chatima tovah,' which references the sealing of the divine Book of Life on Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur involves fasting and atonement and is held in late September or early October.
Growing up in a Reform Jewish congregation, Adam loved Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and the holiest day of the Jewish year.
However, this year, Adam will spend Yom Kippur observing a ritual with his local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionist group.
Surveys have repeatedly shown a difference across generational lines, with younger Jews generally being less supportive of Israel than older generations.
What this adds
Bambera's message adds a call for Catholics to deepen their understanding of Judaism and Jewish people.
The report adds that younger Jews are generally less supportive of Israel than older generations.
Background
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.
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 Sept. 20 to nightfall on Sept. 21.
- Repentance and reconciliation are central themes of Yom Kippur, and Bambera emphasized that these themes also resonate deeply with Catholics.
- Bambera also highlighted the importance of building genuine friendship and understanding between the two religions, noting that it is 'not simply a matter of dialogue' but is 'rooted in the deep spiritual bonds' between the two ancient religions.
- On this Yom Kippur, may the year ahead bring greater understanding, friendship and peace among our communities,' Bambera concluded, using the traditional Jewish High Holiday greeting 'G’mar chatima tovah,' which references the sealing of the divine Book of Life on Yom Kippur.
- Yom Kippur involves fasting and atonement and is held in late September or early October.
- Growing up in a Reform Jewish congregation, Adam loved Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and the holiest day of the Jewish year.
- However, this year, Adam will spend Yom Kippur observing a ritual with his local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionist group.
- Surveys have repeatedly shown a difference across generational lines, with younger Jews generally being less supportive of Israel than older generations.
What's still developing
- “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.
- Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.
- Catholics, he said, are called to opposite that form of hatred as well as to deepen their understanding of Judaism and Jewish people.
- But it’s not something he can imagine doing for Yom Kippur this year, which begins Sunday night (Sept. 20).