Christians, Jews Approach Rituals of Sorrow, Hope

Sorrow and hope alike were on the horizon for American Jews and Christians as they approached related religious observances--Passover and Holy Week.

Christian churches begin their special week on Palm Sunday, marking the story of the entry of Jesus into ancient Jerusalem and a darkening time of turmoil whipping about him, leading to the Crucifixion. But beyond it, according to the Gospels, a glad outcome beckoned--his resurrection. Both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christendom celebrate Easter this year on the same day, April 18.

Serve as Reminder

The ritual observances serve as a reminder to many Christians, some religious observers said, that for most people the most meaningful representation of faith is in churches and not in the dollar-competitive and scandal-touched world of television evangelism.

A similar combination of present-day distress and promise was at work among Jews as they prepared to observe Passover week, beginning Monday evening.

The holiday recalls the ancient Jewish deliverance from slavery in Egypt, an exodus from travail mirrored through history. This time, Jews face an immediate threatening situation, newly touched with hope.

The anxiety stems from the sharp antagonisms that lately have racked Judaism, both in this country and Israel, throwing opposing factions into battling camps.

Joint Declaration

But in the midst of that conflict, leaders of the three contending branches issued an unprecedented, joint declaration of basic bonds.

“We shall always be united in a covenant of fate,” the three leaders said, affirming “loving concern” for each other, and sanctioning dialogue on religious differences.

It was the first time they had spoken in unison on the problem, urging that dialogue replace strife, said Rabbi Kassel Abelson of Minneapolis, president of the Rabbinical Assembly, representing the Conservative branch.

“It’s a gesture of unity such as we have not had before,” he said. While differences remain unsettled, he said, “We are now talking, thinking and meeting together on the issues.”

The Hopeful Sign

That was the hopeful sign raised among Jews. The nation’s 3,800 Orthodox, Conservative and Reform rabbis were asked to read the joint message in Sabbath services Friday night or today, before Passover.

Noting the “deep divisions” among Jews, the joint declaration said: “Notwithstanding these real differences, there is nothing that prevents us from dialogue and cooperation on matters of mutual concern.”

Debate has swirled within Judaism lately over differences in both ritual requirements and fundamental questions of who is Jewish, resulting from clashes over conversion practices and Jewish descent.