A Prayer for My Catholic Friends and Family

A Wish at Rosh Hashanah
To Voice of the Faithful
From our Jewish Sister, Jody Rosenzweig

Because my Catholic friends and family, most of whom were born into the Church, and some who made their Church home as adults, are so dear to me, I therefore share both their joys and their anguish regarding this very spiritual and emotional passage through which the Catholic Church is now traveling and which is central to their very lives. At this time of the year in the Jewish Calendar, we begin the observance of the "days of awe," beginning with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur, during which time we contemplate how we have lived our lives in terms of G-d's laws and also how we have treated our fellow human beings. There are many prayers, both ancient and haunting, which characterize our worship at this time of the year; but the prayer that comes to mind now, is the "Shehecheyanu," which is often recited on holidays and on other occasions:

I find that when I have come through a particularly rough patch in my life, the Shehecheyanu is the prayer that I return to again and again as a reminder to myself that I have made it through, and that it is not the difficulties that should be focused on, but rather that G-d has sustained us and enabled us "to reach this season," whatever meaning that the word "season" holds for each of us. So, at this time in the life of Voice of the Faithful, a time of both expansion and frustration, of yearnings for change balanced against needs for stability, of love for the Church and at the same time uncertainty about what the Church may become, I pray that G-d grant you strength, that He sustain you and that He enable you to reach the "season" of your hopes and your dreams and your prayers for the Church. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his countenance to shine upon you and grant you peace.

And let us say, Amen.