Judaism & Catholicism

[TallyGirl]

My family was Catholic five years ago. At that point, I converted to Judaism with 3 of my 4 children. My husband, who grew up Catholic had left the practice of the faith long before our conversion. My oldest child at the time, who was 13 decided not to convert. All of a sudden I am drawn to the rosary. This is no longer in line with my beliefs and I was unsure what to think. I am a very rational, calm person. Last week I prayed the rosary for the first time in years. And I felt an incredible peace. Am I losing my mind?? I love Judaism and can’t articulate where these feelings are coming from.

 

[StGerardMajella]

I have done some reading on this subject, and am informed that it is highly rare for Jews to pray utilizing prayer beads, although it is done by some select Jews. (In some Jewish circles, the use of the rosary is apparently considered a form of idolatry. Don’t quote me.)

Prayer beads can come in various forms, and are used in Eastern religions, and even in Islam. I remember reading that the rosary used to be said with just the Our Father prayer - 100 at a time as I recall, before the Hail Mary and related prayers were added. I don’t know if this is true.

As a Jew, you might consult your rabbi about using simple wooden prayer beads to recite the Shema, or a similar Jewish prayer. I would think it would have a similar peaceful effect.

 

[Della]

My family was Catholic five years ago. At that point, I converted to Judaism with 3 of my 4 children. My husband, who grew up Catholic had left the practice of the faith long before our conversion. My oldest child at the time, who was 13 decided not to convert. All of a sudden I am drawn to the rosary. This is no longer in line with my beliefs and I was unsure what to think. I am a very rational, calm person. Last week I prayed the rosary for the first time in years. And I felt an incredible peace. Am I losing my mind?? I love Judaism and can’t articulate where these feelings are coming from.

You’re not losing your mind. Our Lady is drawing you to herself and to her Son, that’s all that’s happening. You see, if Jesus rose from the dead, then he has completed the Law, not overthrown it. Judaism is attractive because it is a true expression of the revelation of God to man. Jesus or Yeshua, to use his Jewish name, came to redeem man when man could not keep the Law. Not that the Law was imperfect, but imperfect people cannot keep it. God’s grace, given to us in Christ can make us perfect. I’m not trying to preach to you but to say that being drawn to God through the rosary says that you haven’t lost your faith in Christ entirely, as you may think. The rosary is based on the Divine Office, which largely consists of praying the Psalms. So the connection is very close, you see.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

TallyGirl,

Perhaps this is our Lord’s way of calling you back to Himself. He is the Good Shepherd and cares about His sheep. As does Mary our Mother – a Jewish Mother, I might add. Sadly, the Catholic faith is not always presented or lived in its fullness. Sometimes all we see is a shell of the true faith. In those cases, it is understandable that people long for something more. But if you plumb the depths of the Church’s tradition, especially our rich mystical and spiritual traditions, I think you will find that the “something more” you were seeking was really there all along in the Church founded by Jesus. And you’re not really leaving Judaism behind in turning back to the Church; the Messiah is its fulfillment and offers you “life more abundant.” Will you accept the invitation?

AO

 

[Tomdstone]

IMHO, Judaism and Catholicism are incompatible. Judaism does not accept the Trinity. Judaism does not believe that Mary is the Mother of God.

 

[McCartney]

IMHO, Judaism and Catholicism are incompatible. Judaism does not accept the Trinity. Judaism does not believe that Mary is the Mother of God.

They also believe that Jesus was a false prophet.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Losing your mind? Doubtful. Possibly coming back to it, probable. Do what God tells you is right. Bless you and yours.

 

[petra22]

Saying prayers for you to find your way. I do think God is calling you…

 

[Catholic_Mama_6]

You are not losing your mind. He is calling you home. I encourage you to continue to pray the Rosary. I am a recent convert from a four generation family of protestants. My father is still a protestant minister today. I came into the fullness of the Catholic faith in the last four years. Baptized and confirmed a year ago. The rosary drew me closer to Jesus. I cannot explain the peace it gave me in the beginning and it continues today. It is a powerful prayer.

 

[meltzerboy]

My family was Catholic five years ago. At that point, I converted to Judaism with 3 of my 4 children. My husband, who grew up Catholic had left the practice of the faith long before our conversion. My oldest child at the time, who was 13 decided not to convert. All of a sudden I am drawn to the rosary. This is no longer in line with my beliefs and I was unsure what to think. I am a very rational, calm person. Last week I prayed the rosary for the first time in years. And I felt an incredible peace. Am I losing my mind?? I love Judaism and can’t articulate where these feelings are coming from.

G-d does not believe that you have to be Jewish to worship Him and live a good life, in which you have respect for yourself and are generous toward others. Perhaps you were not meant to become Jewish and G-d is telling you so. G-d may be testing you so that you can find out for yourself whether you wish to remain Jewish or return to your Catholic beliefs.

 

[meltzerboy]

You’re not losing your mind. Our Lady is drawing you to herself and to her Son, that’s all that’s happening. You see, if Jesus rose from the dead, then he has completed the Law, not overthrown it. Judaism is attractive because it is a true expression of the revelation of God to man. Jesus or Yeshua, to use his Jewish name, came to redeem man when man could not keep the Law. Not that the Law was imperfect, but imperfect people cannot keep it. God’s grace, given to us in Christ can make us perfect. I’m not trying to preach to you but to say that being drawn to God through the rosary says that you haven’t lost your faith in Christ entirely, as you may think. The rosary is based on the Divine Office, which largely consists of praying the Psalms. So the connection is very close, you see.

As a Jew, I do not exactly agree with your interpretation. And neither does Moses, who, in Deuteronomy, tells the Jewish people that the Law is not really so difficult for people to keep. Indeed it is regarded as “sweet as honey,” not as an overwhelming burden. Otherwise, if G-d thought the Law could not be kept, He would not have given it to the Jewish people. (BTW, this evening happens to be the start of the two-day joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, celebrating the Law, in which the Torah scrolls are removed from the arc and read at night, together with singing and dancing with the scrolls.) Jews do not believe that one can “complete the Law” since the Law is eternal: there is no end nor beginning to it. Further, since we are all imperfect, the important thing is not to keep the Law perfectly, but rather to try as best one can to live according to its teachings. Atonement is designed to repent of our inability to keep the Law perfectly.

 

[Cathoholic]

TallyGirl .

I love Judaism and can’t articulate where these feelings are coming from.

Continue your love for Judaism to be sure. But also realize what is occurring.

Catholicism is fulfilled Judaism. Catholicism is the fullness of Judaism.

I would suggest this is an interior movement of the Holy Spirit within your heart.

What you do with this will be between you and God.

My advice? Continue praying the Rosary.

God bless.

Cathoholic

 

[Della]

As a Jew, I do not exactly agree with your interpretation. And neither does Moses, who, in Deuteronomy, tells the Jewish people that the Law is not really so difficult for people to keep. Indeed it is regarded as “sweet as honey,” not as an overwhelming burden. Otherwise, if G-d thought the Law could not be kept, He would not have given it to the Jewish people. (BTW, this evening happens to be the start of the two-day joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, celebrating the Law, in which the Torah scrolls are removed from the arc and read at night, together with singing and dancing with the scrolls.) Jews do not believe that one can “complete the Law” since the Law is eternal: there is no end nor beginning to it. Further, since we are all imperfect, the important thing is not to keep the Law perfectly, but rather to try as best one can to live according to its teachings. Atonement is designed to repent of our inability to keep the Law perfectly.

I was sloppy in my definition, my apologies. I was attempting to paraphrase St. Paul (not such a good idea since he was always quite precise whereas I often am not ) Here are the relevant verses I should have quoted in the first place:

Gal. 2[15] We ourselves, who are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners,
[16] yet who know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.
[17] But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not!
[18] But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor.
[19] For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God.
[20] I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
[21] I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose.

It does not say that we cannot keep the Law, rather that the law cannot justify us. A big difference in meaning. Thank you for prompting me to be clearer. :tiphat:

 

[peter26]

To the OP: a middle ground for you might be Messianic Judaism, which follows many Jewish customs, but accepts Jesus as Saviour.

This evening happens to be the start of the two-day joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, celebrating the Law, in which the Torah scrolls are removed from the arc and read at night, together with singing and dancing with the scrolls.

There is something beautiful about that. It reminds me of Psalm 119. We should always remember that the Law of God is ultimately good and intended for the good of all of us.

 

[meltzerboy]

I was sloppy in my definition, my apologies. I was attempting to paraphrase St. Paul (not such a good idea since he was always quite precise whereas I often am not ) Here are the relevant verses I should have quoted in the first place:

Gal. 2[15] We ourselves, who are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners,
[16] yet who know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.
[17] But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not!
[18] But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor.
[19] For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God.
[20] I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
[21] I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose.

It does not say that we cannot keep the Law, rather that the law cannot justify us. A big difference in meaning. Thank you for prompting me to be clearer. :tiphat:

Thank you, Della, for the clarification. And Jews too do not believe that the Law justifies us, even if we were capable of following it perfectly. The purpose of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) as well as prayer throughout the year, particularly on the Sabbath, and good deeds, is to repent of our failings and missing the mark in striving to be as morally perfect as we can. It is such effort, often incremental improvement, that G-d most appreciates. On Yom Kippur, there is a tradition of disavowing all vows made toward G-d for the upcoming year since we realize we are, by our human nature, incapable of fulfilling them to perfection. We believe that G-d understands this; it is, after all, He that made our nature.

 

[mskejj]

My family was Catholic five years ago. At that point, I converted to Judaism with 3 of my 4 children. My husband, who grew up Catholic had left the practice of the faith long before our conversion. My oldest child at the time, who was 13 decided not to convert. All of a sudden I am drawn to the rosary. This is no longer in line with my beliefs and I was unsure what to think. I am a very rational, calm person. Last week I prayed the rosary for the first time in years. And I felt an incredible peace. Am I losing my mind?? I love Judaism and can’t articulate where these feelings are coming from.

You should look into the books of Dr. Brandt Pitre. He got his PHD in Ancient Judiasm and New Testament Studies. You want to have “holy heartburn”…Read his book “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” or listen to his many CDs on Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Purgatory, Advent, the Papacy etc. The first Christians WERE Jewish and all the things we do in the Catholic Church have their roots in Judaism. But it is Biblical Judaism that the Catholic Church fulfills…rabbinic Judaism is different because they no longer have the Temple, priests, and sacrifices. Biblical Judaism centered around those 3 areas. Best thing ever to study the Old Testament and study typology and how Christ actually fulfills the Old Testament. You can see how Jesus relives the life of Israel and then the Church relives the life of Christ. As St. Augustine said, "The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament. As Roy Schoemann who wrote “Salvation is From the Jews” (another great book) said when he converted to Catholicism…"I didn’t convert…it is post-messianic Judaism! And how loved you are… you are being called to pray the rosary!..it will bring you peace and help you grow in your love for God Prayers for your faith journey!

 

[Della]

Thank you, Della, for the clarification. And Jews too do not believe that the Law justifies us, even if we were capable of following it perfectly. The purpose of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) as well as prayer throughout the year, particularly on the Sabbath, and good deeds, is to repent of our failings and missing the mark in striving to be as morally perfect as we can. It is such effort, often incremental improvement, that G-d most appreciates. On Yom Kippur, there is a tradition of disavowing all vows made toward G-d for the upcoming year since we realize we are, by our human nature, incapable of fulfilling them to perfection. We believe that G-d understands this; it is, after all, He that made our nature.

The passage I cited was written at the time when Gentiles were first becoming Christian. Certain Jewish Christians, no doubt well-meaning, had been telling the converts that they needed to keep the Mosaic Laws, especially circumcision. St. Paul was saying that the Law has been fulfilled in Christ, so such things as circumcision are no longer necessary. I thought the context might be helpful.

What the Church teaches is that Christ redeemed all mankind, both Jews and Christians, and everyone else. Therefore, all who are justified are justified in Christ. This does not mean, however, that non-Christians cannot be justified in Christ. The Catechism explains this better than I:

Possible salvation of non-Christians: #s 846-848.

“Outside the Church there is no salvation”
846 How are we to understand this affirmation, often repeated by the Church Fathers?335 Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body:
Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation: the one Christ is the mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in his body which is the Church. He himself explicitly asserted the necessity of faith and Baptism, and thereby affirmed at the same time the necessity of the Church which men enter through Baptism as through a door. Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it.336

847 This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church:
Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation.337
848 "Although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men."338

 

[Moses613]

To the OP: a middle ground for you might be Messianic Judaism, which follows many Jewish customs, but accepts Jesus as Saviour.

That’s not a middle ground. It’s neither here, nor there, nor in between. It’s simply a modern, Protestant missionary sect that selectively uses Jewish symbols to further its missionary goals. As far as the OP’s original question, a lot depends on why and how they originally converted and what their current connection is now to Jewish practice. My faith is based on logic and conviction, not how something “feels” (cannot drugs also make you feel good?). I wouldn’t put stock in those emotions, connected to your previous religion. You have to introspect and ask yourself why you believe what you do and if that still makes sense to you or not.

 

[Tomdstone]

My faith is based on logic and conviction, not how something “feels” …

Some practices seem illogical to a non-Jew, for one example, Kapparot.

 

[Jonathan7777]

It is very possible to be both. I’m a Messianic Jew and Messianic Judaism is a combination of Christianity and Judaism. We believe in Jesus (or Yeshua in Hebrew) as our Lord and our Savior but in same time, we also hold on to the Torah (which includes observing Shabbat, Kashrut, Jewish holidays, and etc.). I grew up as a Protestant but I eventually left the Protestant church because I was also drawn to the beauty of Torah and Judaism and I was fully convinced that Christians were to keep the Torah as G-d has commanded. As for you, I also heard about this group called Hebrew Catholics, who are sort of like Messianic Jews except that they are in full communion with the Roman Catholic church and are part of the Roman Catholic church itself. They attend masses like normal Catholics, pray the Rosary, follow the 7 sacraments like any normal Catholics with a touch of Jewish-ness. They also observe every Jewish customs possible such as keeping the Shabbat, Kashrut, and holidays. That was only an alternative choice out of many other choices. My message is that it is very possible to be both fully Christian and fully Jewish in the same time without feeling guilty or anything…