Catholic – Jewish Questions and Answers

Posted on 20. Feb, 2010 by admin in Winter 2010

1.  Q: What is the Star of David? (Hebrew: Magen David)
A: The six pointed Star of David made up of two superimposed
triangles pointing in the opposite direction, is the main symbol of
Judaism today. Interestingly, it did not arise in Judaism until recent
times. It was once used by Moslems and Christians. Jewish mystics of
the 16th century made it the symbolic importance for Jews. About 300
years ago, in central Europe, it became a favorite architectural design
on synagogues. While its origin is not known, the star now is the main
symbol of Judaism.

2. Q: What is a Mezuzah?
A: It is a small rectangular box like container which holds a
piece of parchment. Biblical verses from Deuteronomy (6: 4-9 and 11:
13-21) are written on the parchment. The mezuzah is placed on the main
door posts of Jewish homes and on the door posts of other important
rooms. As one enters the house, apartment or room, one kisses it as a
reminder of the importance of dedicating all activities to God.

3. Q: What is a Synagogue?
A: It is a house of God. It is the place where Jews gather to do
the most important religious functions, such as the daily and sabbath
services, the holiday services and sometimes wedding ceremonies.

4. Q: What is a Rabbi?
A: Rabbi literally means “teacher”. Today, Rabbis perform
pastoral, social and educational duties. A Rabbi is appointed by his
congregation to act as its spiritual leader, organize services, supervise the
religious education of the young, visit the sick and bereaved, and preside
over life-cycle events (weddings, etc.).

5. Q: Do Jews believe in sin?
A: Judaism believes that particular actions are sins. People are
born with a good inclination and an evil inclination. It is in our power to
choose life, to choose goodness or to choose death and sin. God gives the
person the option to choose and to repent for sin. However, Judaism does
not believe in Original Sin as Christians do?

6. Q: Why are some clergymen called Priests?
A: Clergymen of the Roman Catholic, Eastern, Orthodox
and Episcopal Churches are called priests in the tradition of the Old
Testament or Hebrew Bible. The role of the priest today is like that of the
biblical days, to offer sacrifice to God.

7. Q: What are the titles of the Pope?
A: 1) “Pope” (Italian: papa, Father). First used by Pope Leo the
Great (5th Century). Pope Gregory VII (11th Century) was the first to
reserve it for the Bishop of Rome. 2) “Vicar of Rome”: as representative
of Christ, the head of the Church. First used by Pope Innocent III (12th
Century). 3) “Supreme Pontiff”: meaning, in Latin, Bridge Builder. 4)
“Bishop of Rome”: primarily, the Bishop of Rome, his jurisdiction. 5)
“Patriarch of the Western Church”. 6) “Primate of Italy”. 7) “Successor
of St. Peter”. “Servant of the Servants of God”. First used by Pope
Gregory the Great. 9) “Sovereign of Vatican City”.

8. Q: Who was the first Pope to resign?
A: In 1294, Pope Celestine voluntarily resigned after five months
in office. He was 84 years old. Because of poor health and age, he
resigned.

9. Q: What must Catholics believe?
A: Basically, all Catholics must accept the dogmas such as the
one God, Jesus as the Son of God, original sin, the resurrection of Christ
and eventually all people, the forgiveness of sin, the communion of
saints, heaven and hell, and the Holy Spirit. These dogmas are Infallible
Teachings which came directly from Christ. A Catholic who consciously
and deliberately denies any of these Infallible Teachings is considered
outside the Catholic Church.

10. Q: Do Catholics believe in the Afterlife?
A: yes, they do. It is rooted firmly in Jesus’ teachings preserved
in the gospels. Heaven is the reward for following Christ’s teachings
faithfully. Hell is the place of eternal damnation for people who freely
choose evil and freely and deliberately reject Christ’s teachings. Hell
exists. Who is there has never been officially declared. Catholics are
urged to remember the loving and merciful God, not a cruel tyrant.