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As a Catholic child of a Jewish father, I was thrilled to learn that we would be attending a Bat Mitzvah. The year was 1967 and I was 10. My parents told me that we were going to "God's other house." This got my attention because I loved Mass at our "God's house." 

Entering the synagogue, I was curious about the yarmulkes for men and no chapel veils for women, the lack of statuary and candles, not to mention no Holy Communion. The Hebrew might as well have been Latin; it seemed transcendent to me. 

I fell in love with this version of God's house. In fact, I could not wait to get to tell Sister Agnes Marie all about how it was totally different yet so much the same. As it happened, I can't say that Sister was as excited as I was. However, I was intrigued with whatever God had going with Judaism.

No wonder I was anxious to read, "Why Is There a Menorah on the Altar? Jewish Roots of Christian Worship" by Meredith Gould (Seabury Books, $20). Gould, who was born and raised Jewish, is now a practicing Roman Catholic. 

In the foreword, the author wastes no time and jumps into how her Jewishness shapes who she is to this day. Her proclamation that she is a "Jew in identity, a Christian in faith and a Catholic in religious practice" shows that her faith is wide and deep, cultural and spiritual.

Gould uses words deftly, employing humor to engage the reader while delivering words that will demand serious attention. This style, used throughout, is part of what makes the book compelling to read. 

The first chapter begins with Scripture and some thoughts on reading the Bible and various translations. The author uses her knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures to illuminate how to understand these words as Christians today. She spares no one in stating that we must all approach the sacred texts critically if we are to comprehend and enter more deeply into Christian faith and practice. 

The next two chapters give much-needed historical perspective and move on to worship. Both the neophyte and the more experienced will gain something from this content. Gould's clear explanations will help many understand elements from Judaism that influence Christian prayer and ritual.

The second half of the book is devoted to chapters about the sacraments of baptism, communion and confirmation. These particular pages give historical perspective as well as some good catechesis on each sacrament and how they came to be. Some time is devoted to how Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherans understand the common sacraments. 

Jesus' own Jewish experience is put forth to remind us that we are part of a continuum. Symbols such as bread, wine and water are not Christian inventions; they build on a firm foundation from our Jewish ancestors. This is useful ecumenical information that can inform and enrich the lives of the curious faithful as well as build interfaith bridges.

Gould's writing is clear and insightful. She aims to reach a broad swath of people without oversimplifying or overstating her points. Each chapter contains informational boxes on various topics and closes with points for reflection and discussion. The reader will find exercises to try on his or her own as well. Timelines are included that are helpful with perspective and clarity. 

The book closes with an afterword in which the writer recounts someone telling her that she is "really a first-century Jewish follower of Jesus in the 21st century." This is both humorous and sometimes uncomfortable for Gould - but she handles it with appropriate aplomb and insight.

All of this is served up with bits of Yiddish and a balanced mix of levity and gravity. Add to this Gould's familiarity with Jewish teaching and tradition mixed with her knowledge of Christianity, in particular the Roman Catholic Church. In this regard, this book is an interfaith feast for the senses. 

If you are looking for a short book that packs a theological, catechetical, ecumenical and humorous punch, the answer is right here - plus, you will finally learn why there really may be a menorah on the altar.

(Fran Rossi Szpylczyn lives in Clifton Park and attends St. Edward the Confessor parish.) 

(10/15/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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