Anti-Judaism and the Liturgy: A Resource for Congregations

Anti-Judaism and the Liturgy: A Resource for Congregations is a response by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to Resolutions A110 Clarify Distinction between Biblical and Modern Israel and D059 Addressing Antisemitism in the Church and the World referred to the SCLM after the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church. This is an accessible study guide to address issues of anti-Judaism in worship, and to also provide reflection on the use of “Israel” in worship that is distinct from the contemporary state of Israel. The hope is that congregations around the Episcopal Church will use this guide to acknowledge and learn about the Jewish identity of Jesus; to better understand the context of the Old Testament and its place in our Lectionary; and to consider the impact of our Holy Week liturgies on our Jewish neighbors both in history and the present day. Each chapter is followed by discussion questions that can be used by groups or individuals.