Letter of Archbishop Chaput to the Jewish Community at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

At this time of year, it is my annual pleasure to greet the local Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I join the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in extending to area Jews our prayerful best wishes at this sacred time.

These two solemn observances carry with them themes of prayer, reflection, and renewal at the deepest personal level and before our Heavenly Father. These themes are particularly relevant in our day. Even a person of faith can be tempted to sadness and despair in view of the conditions in our times. When we read about wars, strife and corruption, it is easy to point the finger at others or cast blame elsewhere. But, as we stand before our Maker and contemplate the evil in the world, we know that we are all called to calculate our own offenses and to pledge that we will try anew to adhere to the divine plan for humanity and for each of us.

It is my prayer that these holy days will be for all of our Jewish sisters and brothers a time of spiritual refreshment and renewed hope.

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

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