Charles Esther
On August 8, 2025, the Association of Hebrew Catholics officially launched in Israel with a Mass at St. Thomas Syriac Catholic Church in Jerusalem.
The celebration coincided with the eve of the feast of the group’s patron saint, St. Edith Stein, a Jewish convert to Catholicism.
Leadership and Event Details
Bishop Yaacoub Camil Afram Antoine presided over the Mass, hosted by the Syriac Catholic Exarch of Jerusalem, Bishop Yacoub Ephrem Semaan.
About 30 attendees gathered for the event, including Jewish converts and members of the Israel Defense Forces, such as Yarden Zelivansky, who helped establish the group locally.
Patron Saint and Cultural Roots
The association selected St. Angelus of Jerusalem, a Jewish convert and evangelist, as its local patron.
Zelivansky noted that many Hebrew Catholic saints, including St. Angelus, were Carmelites, highlighting the order’s influence on the group’s spirituality.
Founding and Mission
Founded by Carmelite priest Father Elias Friedman, a Jewish convert who lived at Stella Maris Monastery in Haifa, the Association aims to create a welcoming space for Jewish Catholics to celebrate their culture and faith together.
The group plans to observe major Jewish holidays in ways that highlight Christological themes present within them.
Lay Apostolate and Collaboration
As a lay apostolate, the Association does not administer sacraments or establish parishes.
Those responsibilities remain with the Vicariate of St. James the Just, which serves Hebrew-speaking Catholics and is part of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Focus on Culture and Language
The group emphasizes cultural identity over language, planning activities in Hebrew, Russian, or other languages as needed to include Jewish converts from diverse backgrounds.
Zelivansky explained the goal is to nurture Jewish identity within the Catholic faith, not to evangelize new converts.
Support from Church Leaders
The association has received backing from the Syriac Patriarchate, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and other Catholic community leaders.
Zelivansky praised Cardinal Pizzaballa’s deep understanding of the group’s mission and his enthusiastic support.
Anticipated Reception in Israel
Reactions to the Association of Hebrew Catholics in Israel are expected to vary, with secular Jews likely indifferent and religious Jews possibly resistant due to the group’s focus on Jewish converts.
The association aims to support those who have already converted, fostering a space to maintain Jewish heritage alongside Catholic faith.
Historical and Theological Context
The association’s founders emphasize that Catholicism has historically adapted to various cultures, but Jewish converts often were pressured to abandon their cultural identity.
The Association of Hebrew Catholics seeks to preserve Jewish cultural and religious identity within the Catholic Church, creating a unique space for Jewish Catholics.
Relationship with the Vicariate of St. James the Just
While the Vicariate of St. James serves all Hebrew-speaking Catholics, the Association specifically focuses on Jewish converts and their cultural needs.
Both groups operate in parallel without competition, serving different but complementary roles within the Church.
David Awoyode