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FireFromHeaven
Guest
Should a catholic wish may they observe the Jewish holidays? Purim the jewish celebration of Esther is coming up and I was wondering if I was allowed to observe it without breaking catholic doctrine.
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Immacolata
Guest
You may be interested in these threads.
I think it would be improper — just as it would be improper for Jews to celebrate Advent or Lent — for a Catholic to celebrate Jewish holidays (be it Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover, or Purim). Jews follow them as they, in their religion, are still bound by the Mosaic law (which includes mitzvot, commandments, to follow those specific holidays). We, as Christians, are not.
I think it would be improper — just as it would be improper for Jews to celebrate Advent or Lent — for a Catholic to celebrate Jewish holidays (be it Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover, or Purim). Jews follow them as they, in their religion, are still bound by the Mosaic law (which includes mitzvot, commandments, to follow those specific holidays). We, as Christians, are not.
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mexolic
Guest
As a catholic, I admire Esther’s example in scripture. Looking at old testament figures, even those in Jewish holidays, to model after I think would be fine. For catholics to celebrate Purim,hmmmm, that’s a good question.
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Piwowar
Guest
Good Afternoon,
During my years at university, I had many male and female friends of the Jewish faith. They would always invite me to their holiday celebrations. I never turned them down. It was nice to be asked and I really learned much about the faith of the Jewish people. Oh, I almost forgot, my Jewish friends also went to mass with me and celebrated the Roman Catholic holidays as well. They also went to the Newman Centre with me. Our priest never turned them away. May God Bless!!!
During my years at university, I had many male and female friends of the Jewish faith. They would always invite me to their holiday celebrations. I never turned them down. It was nice to be asked and I really learned much about the faith of the Jewish people. Oh, I almost forgot, my Jewish friends also went to mass with me and celebrated the Roman Catholic holidays as well. They also went to the Newman Centre with me. Our priest never turned them away. May God Bless!!!
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FireFromHeaven
Guest
Immaculota how is it inapropriate? How is it that if one celebrated jewish holidays such as a celebration of Esther or of the Macabean victory over the greeks (which are in our holy books and we believe to be true) be similiar to a Jew celebrating Jesus who they do not believe in? Now if I were asking to celebrate Ramadan your answer would make sense as it is not mentioned in any of our books
C
CJeplin
Guest
While there would be nothing wrong with a Catholic accepting an invitation to a Jewish celebration of Purim, there are reasons beyond what you read in some of these threads to consider.
I’m Hebrew Catholic–yes, that is still Roman Catholic. I go to Catholic Mass like everyone else. I just also happen to be of Jewish decent. And as an Irish Catholic would be more keen to observe St. Patrick’s Day and a Mexican-American Catholic would observe Dia de los Muertos more so than the average U.S. American would, a Hebrew Catholic also observes days like Purim, Passover, etc., but in light of their Catholic faith.
While approval from the Church exists for those of us with a Jewish background, Hebrew Catholics have been instructed by the Church that we are not to change the customs and Jewish liturgy while participating like Messianic Jews tend to do. The Messianic Jewish movement, Evangelical/Protestant at its core, has introduced Passover Haggadah’s that insert Christian texts and change the Jewish liturgy for Seder, something the Church has not been commanded to do. Such changes are considered offensive to Jews, even Christians of Jewish background like myself.
Just as Catholics can and some do join in traditional celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, one who was not familiar with Mexican Catholicism might not want to do this alone the first time as one would not want to mix in any unapproved customs by accident.
The same would be true about observing Purim. First of all Purim usually falls within Lent, and the observance of Purim comes with the type of festivity that would require special permission from the Church for a Catholic to engage in. Whereas Hebrew Jews are generally given such a dispensation due to our heritage, the reason for a non-Hebrew Catholic would be stretching it a bit.
Even if Lent were not a problem or a dispensation was granted for a non-Hebrew, it would be best to attend such a celebration instead of hosting one yourself. Sure it looks like fun, but how do you know you’re celebrating it correctly? It is, after all, a celebration unto the Lord. It’s not like a Halloween party or Cinco de Mayo. This is Purim. God saved the nation of the Jews in a very special way, and observance of Purim even entails a reading of the book of Esther as part of the celebration. So there is stuff to learn before you try it. A non-Hebrew Catholic could even participate in such celebrations as hosted at their local temple, but as a representative of the Catholic faith as they would be in visiting any other house of worship–and if you did it in the wrong way, then you could bring reproach on the Church while insulting your Jewish brethren.
Nothing should keep a Catholic from joining in such a celebration, even if they are not of Hebrew background. It is not forbidden to do so. But just as we Catholics are often not happy with what the world has done with St. Patrick’s Day, St. Valentine’s Day, even in its observance of Halloween (which comes from Irish Catholics traditions, though now twisted by a secular consumerism), we wouldn’t want to do the same thing to Jewish celebrations by taking them upon ourselves. Learning the liturgy associated with each takes practice, generally includes speaking some Hebrew, and even if that wasn’t a problem, preparing the foods and delights (which are kosher) takes a lot of practice. So ask your priest if there are any Hebrew Catholics in the area or a temple in the area that holds festivals that the public can participate in.
Or how about reading the book of Esther on Purim? Get a noise maker and do research as to know when and how to use the noisemaker when reading the book aloud on this holy day (but only do so with the noisemaker on Purim). Take some time to look this up from approved sources, Catholic and Jewish–that would be a good way to observe what God did on Purim regardless of your background.
Of most importance, however, is that we take our Lenten observance serious. Don’t break the fast without good reason. Remember that there will be plenty of time to celebrate and make festive come Easter. Christ is the Law’s fulfillment, and while this does not mean that Jewish observance has no meaning for anyone today, it does mean that we should follow the Church’s teaching above all else, especially if we get invited to participate in a non-Catholic celebration.
See also: Catholic Priest Honors His Jewish Roots and Hebrew Catholics for more information.
I’m Hebrew Catholic–yes, that is still Roman Catholic. I go to Catholic Mass like everyone else. I just also happen to be of Jewish decent. And as an Irish Catholic would be more keen to observe St. Patrick’s Day and a Mexican-American Catholic would observe Dia de los Muertos more so than the average U.S. American would, a Hebrew Catholic also observes days like Purim, Passover, etc., but in light of their Catholic faith.
While approval from the Church exists for those of us with a Jewish background, Hebrew Catholics have been instructed by the Church that we are not to change the customs and Jewish liturgy while participating like Messianic Jews tend to do. The Messianic Jewish movement, Evangelical/Protestant at its core, has introduced Passover Haggadah’s that insert Christian texts and change the Jewish liturgy for Seder, something the Church has not been commanded to do. Such changes are considered offensive to Jews, even Christians of Jewish background like myself.
Just as Catholics can and some do join in traditional celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, one who was not familiar with Mexican Catholicism might not want to do this alone the first time as one would not want to mix in any unapproved customs by accident.
The same would be true about observing Purim. First of all Purim usually falls within Lent, and the observance of Purim comes with the type of festivity that would require special permission from the Church for a Catholic to engage in. Whereas Hebrew Jews are generally given such a dispensation due to our heritage, the reason for a non-Hebrew Catholic would be stretching it a bit.
Even if Lent were not a problem or a dispensation was granted for a non-Hebrew, it would be best to attend such a celebration instead of hosting one yourself. Sure it looks like fun, but how do you know you’re celebrating it correctly? It is, after all, a celebration unto the Lord. It’s not like a Halloween party or Cinco de Mayo. This is Purim. God saved the nation of the Jews in a very special way, and observance of Purim even entails a reading of the book of Esther as part of the celebration. So there is stuff to learn before you try it. A non-Hebrew Catholic could even participate in such celebrations as hosted at their local temple, but as a representative of the Catholic faith as they would be in visiting any other house of worship–and if you did it in the wrong way, then you could bring reproach on the Church while insulting your Jewish brethren.
Nothing should keep a Catholic from joining in such a celebration, even if they are not of Hebrew background. It is not forbidden to do so. But just as we Catholics are often not happy with what the world has done with St. Patrick’s Day, St. Valentine’s Day, even in its observance of Halloween (which comes from Irish Catholics traditions, though now twisted by a secular consumerism), we wouldn’t want to do the same thing to Jewish celebrations by taking them upon ourselves. Learning the liturgy associated with each takes practice, generally includes speaking some Hebrew, and even if that wasn’t a problem, preparing the foods and delights (which are kosher) takes a lot of practice. So ask your priest if there are any Hebrew Catholics in the area or a temple in the area that holds festivals that the public can participate in.
Or how about reading the book of Esther on Purim? Get a noise maker and do research as to know when and how to use the noisemaker when reading the book aloud on this holy day (but only do so with the noisemaker on Purim). Take some time to look this up from approved sources, Catholic and Jewish–that would be a good way to observe what God did on Purim regardless of your background.
Of most importance, however, is that we take our Lenten observance serious. Don’t break the fast without good reason. Remember that there will be plenty of time to celebrate and make festive come Easter. Christ is the Law’s fulfillment, and while this does not mean that Jewish observance has no meaning for anyone today, it does mean that we should follow the Church’s teaching above all else, especially if we get invited to participate in a non-Catholic celebration.
See also: Catholic Priest Honors His Jewish Roots and Hebrew Catholics for more information.
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FCEGM
Guest
I believe the issue comes down to why you want to celebrate the Jewish holy days? Would it be to imitate the Lord’s own participation or to bring yourself under the Law which had as its purpose the establishing one’s righteousness as Jew?
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Immacolata
Guest
I may have exaggerated when I compared Purim to Lent, when it would be more comparable to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), which would indeed be improper for Catholics to partake in.
I believe CJeplin gives you great information on things you should consider before celebrating Purim (if you do so).
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FCEGM
Guest
Thank you for this, CJ.
Welcome to CAF.
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FireFromHeaven
Guest
I am sorry that I was unable to reply as my internet was down. Thank you cjeplin I will ask my priest at the next opportunity. God bless.
K
kymjyinc
Guest
Have you Read In Matthew 23:3. Jesus Instructed for all to observe whatver the Jewish bid us to. Jesus Himself also kept the Holy Days as did his parents. After Jesus had risen his disciples also kept the Holy Days. I often wondered as a child why my church did not observe the Holy Days. I believe that surely we are to observe these Holy Days.
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CJeplin
Guest
While only a minority of individual Protestants might feel that Matthew 23:3 means that Christians are to observe all that the leaders of first-century Judaism taught in Jesus’ day, that is neither what the majority of Christian denominations and scholars teach about this text, nor Judaism, nor is it even possible.
To start with the last part first, Jesus’ words, if meant to be literal, would not be in effect after the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. Matthew 23:3 states that those operating in the ‘seat of Moses’ in his day were to be obeyed, the combination of which consisted of representatives of various religious sects of Judaism that disappeared with the Roman conquest, like the Sadducees.
Jesus’ statement regarding the Moses-authority, showed that it was Moses’ teaching that was to be obeyed, not the Jewish leaders. The entire text of Matthew 23 as well as previous teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in chapter 5 show that Jewish standards did no go far enough.
The statement of Matthew 23:3 is midrash, or an application of Jesus’ words instead of a direct quote. Matthew, writing to a Jewish congregation, often uses midrash instead of direct quotation (something common to Jewish instruction). Matthew was applying Jesus’ words during the “period when the Matthean community was largely Jewish Christian and was still seeking to avoid a complete break with the synagogue. Matthew has incorporated this traditional material into the speech in accordance with his view of the course of salvation history, in which he portrays the time of Jesus’ ministry as marked by the fidelity to the law, although with significant pointers to the new situation that would exist after his death and resurrection (see note on Mt 5:17–20). The crowds and the disciples (Mt 23:1) are exhorted not to follow the example of the Jewish leaders, whose deeds do not conform to their teaching (Mt 23:3).”–NABRE footnote.
In other words, while this is inspired teaching, it is not meant to be taken alone. One has to read the entire New Testament to see that Gentiles do not have to observe Jewish feasts. (Colossians 2:16) In most churches as well as in Judaism, to teach that Gentiles must observe Jewish feasts is considered anti-Biblical and heretical by both Jews and Christians.
To start with the last part first, Jesus’ words, if meant to be literal, would not be in effect after the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. Matthew 23:3 states that those operating in the ‘seat of Moses’ in his day were to be obeyed, the combination of which consisted of representatives of various religious sects of Judaism that disappeared with the Roman conquest, like the Sadducees.
Jesus’ statement regarding the Moses-authority, showed that it was Moses’ teaching that was to be obeyed, not the Jewish leaders. The entire text of Matthew 23 as well as previous teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in chapter 5 show that Jewish standards did no go far enough.
The statement of Matthew 23:3 is midrash, or an application of Jesus’ words instead of a direct quote. Matthew, writing to a Jewish congregation, often uses midrash instead of direct quotation (something common to Jewish instruction). Matthew was applying Jesus’ words during the “period when the Matthean community was largely Jewish Christian and was still seeking to avoid a complete break with the synagogue. Matthew has incorporated this traditional material into the speech in accordance with his view of the course of salvation history, in which he portrays the time of Jesus’ ministry as marked by the fidelity to the law, although with significant pointers to the new situation that would exist after his death and resurrection (see note on Mt 5:17–20). The crowds and the disciples (Mt 23:1) are exhorted not to follow the example of the Jewish leaders, whose deeds do not conform to their teaching (Mt 23:3).”–NABRE footnote.
In other words, while this is inspired teaching, it is not meant to be taken alone. One has to read the entire New Testament to see that Gentiles do not have to observe Jewish feasts. (Colossians 2:16) In most churches as well as in Judaism, to teach that Gentiles must observe Jewish feasts is considered anti-Biblical and heretical by both Jews and Christians.
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FireFromHeaven
Guest
Which holidays are permissible to be observed? There is no Hebrew catholic population so I will only read Esther and shake a noise maker.
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Shin
Guest
Here’s a sermon on the subject that might help.
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