Rosh Chodesh Elul 29 Av 5780 - August 20, 2020
I AM JEWISH: EVA ASHNER
For centuries both sides of my family believed in and practiced the Jewish faith. They did and I still do. So why am I mentioning this fact?
As a child, living in the Philippines as a refugee from Germany, I had to attend a Catholic parochial school, run by German Benedictine nuns. There was no other choice. (Public schools were available, but not recommended and also too far from where we lived.) Everyday, five days a week, I sat in class and listened to an hour long Catechism lesson which made a great impression on me. The nuns would have loved to convert me but they never put on the pressure. Having to sit through these lessons, I learned a lot about the Catholic religion.
Although there are many similarities between Judaism and Catholicism, there are also many differences, such as individual confession, communion, believing in purgatory and the fear of going to hell should a person commit an unforgivable crime.
As I grew older and being able to understand the differences between the two religions, all I can say is “I am proud to be a Jew.” Even in the darkest days of my life, I never gave up on my Jewish heritage and my Jewish faith.
It is tradition to read Psalm 27 every day during Elul.
PSALM 27
God is my light and my refuge secure - whom shall I fear?
God is the stronghold of my life - of whom should I be afraid?
When those who act with malice would devour me with words,
it is they who stumble, they who fall.
If an army were to take up arms against me, my heart would not fear.
If war were waged against me, still I would trust.
Just one thing I have asked of God; only this do I seek:
to dwell in God’s house all the days of my life,
to behold divine sweetness and beauty, and to gaze in delight at God’s Temple.
God shelters me in times of hardship, shields me in a tent of divine protection,
raises me high on a rock - so that now my head rises above enemies around me.
Let me make offerings in that tent - the offerings of a joyful cry.
Let me sing hymns, and celebrate the One who is eternal - Adonai.
Hear my voice when I call; God, answer me with grace.
My heart spoke for you - it said, “Seek My face.” Your face, Adonai, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, nor angrily turn away Your faithful one -
the one You have sustained. My God-of-rescue, do not desert me!
When my father and mother have gone, God will gather me in.
Teach me your way, Adonai; and guide me on a straight path,
because of those who lie in wait for me.
Do not hand me over to the will of foes who rose against me -
lying witnesses and those whose very breath is violence.
If only I could believe that I will see God’s goodness
in the land of the living. . .
Wait for Adonai
Be strong of heart, and be bold -- but wait for Adonai.
Comments
Post a Comment