Catholics celebrating Sabbath Meal

[David89]

Is it appropriate (or sinful) for Catholics to celebrate a Jewish Sabbath meal on Friday evenings?

Particularly, wearing a Kippa and participating in the ritual prayers such as praying for the coming of Elijah?

Any Church documents that discuss this?

 

[LoyalViews]

No it’s not okay.

While it’s good to celebrate aspects of our Jewish heritage, we are not Jewish, we are Catholics, the fulfillment of the Jewish covenant (or something along those lines, my terminology is incorrect I know)

Pray the Holy Rosary, you’ll get much more spiritual benefit. Meditate on the Passion with your family. But I don’t think having a Sabbath Meal in the Jewish style is something we ought to promote.

Have a Catholic family meal sure!

 

[losh14]

At first glance,I’d not think it problematic. I’ve celebrated Shabbat often with my Jewish friends (they especially appreciate the challah I bake for them). Sadly, they’ve been less-inclined to come to Mass, in particular after recent public debates on the contraception mandate and on gay marriage.

I think that, provided you don’t affirm anything that is contrary to Catholic teaching, you would not be incurring spiritual harm. I’d also think that if your host knows you are Catholic, he or she would be inclined to be civil and discuss what we have in common, as a rule of hospitality. It is always safe to pray for blessings for the home and all guests, for health for a sick person or other mitzva’ot.

 

[landon13]

Is it appropriate (or sinful) for Catholics to celebrate a Jewish Sabbath meal on Friday evenings?

Particularly, wearing a Kippa and participating in the ritual prayers such as praying for the coming of Elijah?

Any Church documents that discuss this?

There are some Christian versions of the Sabbath ritual that are like for Messianic Jews. There is no problem with this, in my opinion. Jesus was Jewish anyway.

 

[Polycarp1]

I wouldn’t participate in the prayers for the coming of Elijah as that refers to John the Baptist and he’s already come and gone!

 

[po18guy]

Saint Thomas Aquinas held that retaining any part of the Mosaic Covenant was tantamount to denying Christ had come. Celebrating the Jewish Sabbath seems to me to risk lapsing into that arena. A little like standing with one foot in two different boats. As well, Saint Paul wrote that, when the perfect arrives, the imperfect will pass away. This applies to Covenants (Mosaic and Christian) as well as to Prophets (John the Baptist and Christ).

 

[Tantum_ergo]

You know, instead of trying to incorporate a Jewish ritual into your Catholic faith, why not go with the centuries’ old Catholic practice of having a meatless Friday? (or if you’re already vegetarian, why not limit your supper to bread and water, and give that Sunday’s collection an extra $5-20 in lieu of the money you’d spend for a ‘special dinner fixing’ or eating out?)

As for prayers, grace before and after meals, and praying the St. Michael prayer and a nice Family Rosary that day would be great as well.

 

[Prodigal_Son]

There are some Christian versions of the Sabbath ritual that are like for Messianic Jews. There is no problem with this, in my opinion. Jesus was Jewish anyway.

See rc.net/wcc/lordsday.htm

These Christian Lord’s Day celebrations are usually celebrated on Saturday evening, since Sunday is the Christian Sabbath.

 

[gracepoole]

I’m Catholic. I’ve also participated in the celebration of many, many Shabbat dinners. I’ve also done so with priests and sisters, all of whom are conservative and “traditional.” Frankly, I find Shabbat beautiful – it’s even more beautiful when you participate in the whole of the Jewish Sabbath by tuning out the world and refocusing on God and family from sundown to sundown. My Hebrew is limited so my participation in prayer is limited, as well. But the word of reputable and faithful clergy is enough for me.

 

[mab23]

Is it appropriate (or sinful) for Catholics to celebrate a Jewish Sabbath meal on Friday evenings?

Particularly, wearing a Kippa and participating in the ritual prayers such as praying for the coming of Elijah?

Any Church documents that discuss this?

wear a Zuchetto instead of a Kippa

 

[Bonjovie]

I wish that those of us who have been given the divine graces to spread the good news of the fulfilment of the old covenant and the establishment of the new would spend more time at our duty posts! What? Is it that we have finished all that we have been given to do? Were the disciples not Jews? They more than anyone would know the beauty of their sabbath celebrations, but they were the ones who began to celebrate the Lord’s day. The Holy apostles recognised the fact that the old celebrations found their true purpose and fulfilment in the New. They didn’t even trouble the gentiles of their day with any of the Jewish rites and customs or laws because they realised that these things cannot purify or save. So why do we (gentiles) struggle to lay on ourselves the burden of the Jews? Are the burdens of Christ too light for us now?
How long will it be till Christians realise that evangelisation does not mean merging? how many of these Jewish friends would celebrate the Lord’s day with us in our Churches and in our homes, I wonder? Sadly, we Christians do not even celebrate the Lord’s day as we should, and instead of improving our dedication to our Lord, we run after works that are of no spiritual merit whatsoever, or we sit with those who are dedicated to other religions and sigh about how spiritually enlightening it is! Do your part, Christian. You won’t change their views by joining them.

 

[gracepoole]

So why do we (gentiles) struggle to lay on ourselves the burden of the Jews? Are the burdens of Christ too light for us now? How long will it be till Christians realise that evangelisation does not mean merging? how many of these Jewish friends would celebrate the Lord’s day with us in our Churches and in our homes, I wonder? Sadly, we Christians do not even celebrate the Lord’s day as we should, and instead of improving our dedication to our Lord, we run after works that are of no spiritual merit whatsoever, or we sit with those who are dedicated to other religions and sigh about how spiritually enlightening it is! Do your part, Christian. You won’t change their views by joining them.

First, the Jewish Sabbath can hardly be considered a burden. On the contrary, it’s a blessing. And second, who said anything about merging? Respectful presence at a Jewish Sabbath dinner does not encourage the merging of faiths. As to why Jews may not attend Mass with Catholic friends, all of my Jewish friends are familiar with the contentious history between the two faiths and frankly don’t feel welcome. That’s not a generalization about all Jews, but maybe it’s worth noting.

 

[Bonjovie]

First, the Jewish Sabbath can hardly be considered a burden. On the contrary, it’s a blessing. And second, who said anything about merging? Respectful presence at a Jewish Sabbath dinner does not encourage the merging of faiths. As to why Jews may not attend Mass with Catholic friends, all of my Jewish friends are familiar with the contentious history between the two faiths and frankly don’t feel welcome. That’s not a generalization about all Jews, but maybe it’s worth noting.

By burden, dear gracepoole, I don’t mean the work of actually praying. I mean the duties that come with professing a certain religion. I mean the acts that should naturally flow from one’s beliefs. We are not bound to obey their Sabbath laws because we profess someone they have not accepted, and while this is not necessarily alienating completely, it is a significant difference. Really? Your friends don’t come because they feel they are not welcome? Could it not be that they would feel uncomfortable praying in the name of one in whom they do not believe? I also am not generalising, but if I were a Jew serious about my faith, I wouldn’t be praying mass on Sunday with my Christian friends even though I know we are praying to the same God.
Merging, yes, because when you join in the prayers of Jews at Sabbath which includes profession of aspects of their religion which you do not share as a Christian, you are actually saying: the difference doesn’t matter, at least not to me. You are attempting to make what is an unmistakable difference seem like something of no consequence. Respectful presence is when you attend a celebration but do not participate in the prayers. I attend some protestant weddings or social events sometimes, but with some very good reason and I don’t join in their prayers. If they are not so comfortable sharing your Sabbath celebrations, these friends of yours, why are you so comfortable sharing theirs? Would you be just as comfortable going to the Sabbath (saturday) celebrations of the seventh day adventists?
My opinion still stands…Carry the burden of Christ and leave the Jews to celebrate their Sabbath, praying like St. Paul that they would regain their place as the first chosen of God’s people in the fullness of the Faith.

 

[gracepoole]

Merging, yes, because when you join in the prayers of Jews at Sabbath which includes profession of aspects of their religion which you do not share as a Christian, you are actually saying: the difference doesn’t matter, at least not to me. You are attempting to make what is an unmistakable difference seem like something of no consequence.

I’m saying this to whom, exactly?

 

[librarising]

I’m with gracepoole all the way on this one. Just because you are celebrating a Jewish meal and blessing, it does not mean you are denying Christ. Would it be a sin to attend a funeral of a Jewish friend because the ceremony is not in the Catholic tradition? How preposterous.
I have brought Jewish friends to Catholic Mass with me at the Parish where my daughter used to attend school. Frankly, the priest( noted to be a little" end of times"/Evangelical), constantly quoted scripture which spoke of how bad and greedy the Jews were, even though it had nothing to do with what he was discussing. I was mortified. Needless to say, I would be very surprised if those friends returned for a Catholic Mass in the future.
On a side note, one of the teacher’s in my daughter’s former Parochial school said nonchalantly in passing how The Inquisition and Torquemada were not such a bad thing and thank God those Jews got booted out of Spain. This is the same teacher that thought it would be a grand idea to teach the kindergarten class Dante’s Infernoand go over all the circles of hell.
I think we all need to be more humble and not look down on other religions and think it is “merging” to be friends or observe a non-Catholic ceremony. This mentality reminds me of segregation and I think it is the last thing Jesus would want.

 

[Bonjovie]

I’m with gracepoole all the way on this one. Just because you are celebrating a Jewish meal and blessing, it does not mean you are denying Christ. Would it be a sin to attend a funeral of a Jewish friend because the ceremony is not in the Catholic tradition? How preposterous.
I have brought Jewish friends to Catholic Mass with me at the Parish where my daughter used to attend school. Frankly, the priest( noted to be a little" end of times"/Evangelical), constantly quoted scripture which spoke of how bad and greedy the Jews were, even though it had nothing to do with what he was discussing. I was mortified. Needless to say, I would be very surprised if those friends returned for a Catholic Mass in the future.
On a side note, one of the teacher’s in my daughter’s former Parochial school said nonchalantly in passing how The Inquisition and Torquemada were not such a bad thing and thank God those Jews got booted out of Spain. This is the same teacher that thought it would be a grand idea to teach the kindergarten class Dante’s Infernoand go over all the circles of hell.
I think we all need to be more humble and not look down on other religions and think it is “merging” to be friends or observe a non-Catholic ceremony. This mentality reminds me of segregation and I think it is the last thing Jesus would want.

Dear Libarising, please read my full post. First, read the OP’s question again, then read my posts. Then you’ll see that the problem is not attending, but participating. However close I am to people who don’t share my faith, I won’t profess theirs just to smoothen rough edges over. If it’s just to attend and sit all through, then maybe it might be okay. But exposing oneself to teachings that go contrary to one’s faith are at best of no spiritual consequence and at worst possibly sinful. Maybe reading the elaboration of the first commandment might help to understand my point of view a little better. If I wasn’t catholic, what business would I have reciting the creed, or praying the Hail Mary? Is that not merging?

 

[Bonjovie]

I’m saying this to whom, exactly?

Actions speak louder than words. I am evaluating your actions and telling you what they say. To whom? To whoever’s mind chooses to evaluate your actions at that time, or as you have posted it here.

 

[David89]

Thank you all for your responses.

A friend of mine has pointed out that Ratzinger has stated the following

“…it seems to me, this passover celebration which has come down to us from the nomad, via Israel and through Christ, also has (in the deepest sense) an eminently political significance. We as a nation, we Europe, need to go back to our spiritual roots, lest we become lost in self-destruction. This feast needs to become a family celebration once again, for it is the family that is the real baston of creation and humanity. Passover is a summons, urgently reminding us that the family is the living home in which humanity is nurtured, which banishes chaos and futility, and which must be protected as such. But we must add that the family can only be this fear of humanity, this bastion of creation, if it is under the banner of the Lamb, if it is protected by the power of faith which comes from the love of Jesus Christ.”

(Cardinal Jospeh Ratzinger, behold the Pierced One, Ignatius Press, San Francisco: 1986, p. 106).

It would appear that Ratzinger is advocating participating in the Passover. Does anyone have a different take on this?

 

[librarising]

Apparently Bonjovie does

" If it’s just to attend and sit all through, then maybe it might be okay. But exposing oneself to teachings that go contrary to one’s faith are at best of no spiritual consequence and at worst possibly sinful"., as Bonjovie states.

So should we let Pope Francis and Pope Benedict in on the new “rule” of not attending and or participating in the ceremonies of those who are not Catholic? Please!

I could understand if we were talking about some Satanic cult or something amongst those lines.

Bonjovie, I’m glad you feel so secure being so judgmental. You make it sound like belonging to the Catholic religion is equivalent to belonging to an exclusive country club, one which does not allow merging with “undesirables”. I’m sure this is exactly what Jesus and his Disciples had in mindNOT.

I feel sorry for you. I don’t feel like you understand what Jesus’ teachings are all about or understand the basic principles of unconditional love. May Christ have mercy on you Bonjovie.

 

[SoMissCatholic]

Thank you all for your responses.

A friend of mine has pointed out that Ratzinger has stated the following

It would appear that Ratzinger is advocating participating in the Passover. Does anyone have a different take on this?

Yes, I don’t think he was advocating participating in the Jewish Passover. You’re interpretation appears to be ignoring the critical part of the quote:

“…it seems to me, this passover celebration which has come down to us from the nomad, via Israel and through Christ, also has (in the deepest sense) an eminently political significance. We as a nation, we Europe, need to go back to our spiritual roots, lest we become lost in self-destruction. This feast needs to become a family celebration once again, for it is the family that is the real baston of creation and humanity. Passover is a summons, urgently reminding us that the family is the living home in which humanity is nurtured, which banishes chaos and futility, and which must be protected as such. But we must add that the family can only be this fear of humanity, this bastion of creation, if it is under the banner of the Lamb, if it is protected by the power of faith which comes from the love of Jesus Christ.”

(Cardinal Jospeh Ratzinger, behold the Pierced One, Ignatius Press, San Francisco: 1986, p. 106).

To me, the passover “under the banner of the Lamb” is referring to the Eucharist, as Christ has became the paschal Lamb for us all in the new covenant. Therefore, just as the Jews celebrated passover under the old covenant by eating the flesh of the paschal lamb, we celebrate the “passover” of the new covenant by eating the flesh of the paschal Lamb, Jesus, in the Eucharist. Now, I could be wrong in my interpretation, but that is what I think (then) Cardinal Ratzinger was saying here.