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Why Is There a Menorah on the Altar?Jewish Roots of Christian Worship

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I got a copy of this book as soon as I saw that it was in print. I happened upon the author's blog by chance, as I was doing research for my Hebrew Scripture class. I am a Catholic convert, who has always wanted to understand the origins of all things Catholic. I have done much research on my own into the "Jewish roots of Catholicism", but always wished that there was a concise, but clear book on the same topic that I could share with my friends who do not share my attention span for heavily footnoted tomes. Ms. Gould's book is an answer to a prayer.

I firmly believe that if we do not appreciate the Jewish faith for all of its richness, we cannot appreciate the faith the grew out of it - Christianity. Any Catholic who reads this books will gain a deeper appreciation for our liturgical and sacramental life, as well as a newfound respect for the Jewish people.

Meredith Gould is one of those people whose calling it is to occupy the space between two societal entities. It's an uncomfortable place to live life, especially for someone who's also committed to making the world a better place. From a between-place it's possible to see things that can't be seen from inside the fences, and those things include the misconceptions each side has about the other. Christians and Jews have a lot of misconceptions, misunderstandings, and misapprehensions about one another. Some of them are harmless, some are hurtful, some have been deadly for Jews. Truth-telling, which is what those in-between dwellers like Meredith Gould do, is about healing those ancient wounds which, though familiar, are nevertheless signs of dis-ease, not only in our relationships with one another, but also in our relationship with God. If we are to be about God's work in the world, then we must attend to them.

Gould's newest book, Why Is There a Menorah on the Altar? is a good place to start. Aimed primarily at Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherans, it is a very readable and even occasionally humorous guide to the Jewish antecedents of many customs and practices in liturgical churches. The author, who considers herself "a Jew in identity, a Christian in faith, and a Catholic in religious practice," did a considerable amount of research into similarities and differences with regard to scripture, historical events, and worship, and this comprises the first half of the book. In the second half of the book she looks at the sacraments of baptism,
holy communion, and confirmation to find the echos of Judaism therein.

Anyone who has been to seminary or studied theology in any depth will probably (I hope!) find much here that is familiar, though there will assuredly be surprises as well. Gould approaches the words and actions of Christian worship from a vantage point unfamiliar to the vast majority of Christians, and allows us to see them with fresh eyes. This book would be a great addition to a study group, confirmation curriculum or Sunday school class, and is presented in a format that facilitates such uses. There are special explanatory paragraphs set apart in borders throughout, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Several chapters have timelines at the end, which are helpful for keeping it all in historical context. There is also a glossary of Hebrew terms and Jewish concepts, an appendix of selected letters and statements on Jewish-Christian relations, a list of resources, and a timeline of Christianity's emergence from Judaism at the end of the book.

My only quibble with this work is a small one which I hope can be corrected in reprints: the timeline at the end of the chapter on Holy Communion would be more useful if it consistently noted which denomination produced which decree. Only people who have studied Reformation history and documents in depth will be on familiar ground here; the rest of us could use a few more notes.

Highly recommended for Christians of any denomination, and anyone interested in interfaith understanding.

As a Catholic child of a Jewish father, I was thrilled to learn that we would be attending a Bat Mitzvah. The year was 1967 and I was 10. My parents told me that we were going to "God's other house." This got my attention because I loved Mass at our "God's house."

Entering the synagogue, I was curious about the yarmulkes for men and no chapel veils for women, the lack of statuary and candles, not to mention no Holy Communion. The Hebrew might as well have been Latin; it seemed transcendent to me.

I fell in love with this version of God's house. In fact, I could not wait to get to tell Sister Agnes Marie all about how it was totally different yet so much the same. As it happened, I can't say that Sister was as excited as I was. However, I was intrigued with whatever God had going with Judaism.

No wonder I was anxious to read, "Why Is There a Menorah on the Altar? Jewish Roots of Christian Worship" by Meredith Gould (Seabury Books, $20). Gould, who was born and raised Jewish, is now a practicing Roman Catholic.

In the foreword, the author wastes no time and jumps into how her Jewishness shapes who she is to this day. Her proclamation that she is a "Jew in identity, a Christian in faith and a Catholic in religious practice" shows that her faith is wide and deep, cultural and spiritual.

Gould uses words deftly, employing humor to engage the reader while delivering words that will demand serious attention. This style, used throughout, is part of what makes the book compelling to read.

The first chapter begins with Scripture and some thoughts on reading the Bible and various translations. The author uses her knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures to illuminate how to understand these words as Christians today. She spares no one in stating that we must all approach the sacred texts critically if we are to comprehend and enter more deeply into Christian faith and practice.

The next two chapters give much-needed historical perspective and move on to worship. Both the neophyte and the more experienced will gain something from this content. Gould's clear explanations will help many understand elements from Judaism that influence Christian prayer and ritual.

The second half of the book is devoted to chapters about the sacraments of baptism, communion and confirmation. These particular pages give historical perspective as well as some good catechesis on each sacrament and how they came to be. Some time is devoted to how Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherans understand the common sacraments.

Jesus' own Jewish experience is put forth to remind us that we are part of a continuum. Symbols such as bread, wine and water are not Christian inventions; they build on a firm foundation from our Jewish ancestors. This is useful ecumenical information that can inform and enrich the lives of the curious faithful as well as build interfaith bridges.

Gould's writing is clear and insightful. She aims to reach a broad swath of people without oversimplifying or overstating her points. Each chapter contains informational boxes on various topics and closes with points for reflection and discussion. The reader will find exercises to try on his or her own as well. Timelines are included that are helpful with perspective and clarity.

The book closes with an afterword in which the writer recounts someone telling her that she is "really a first-century Jewish follower of Jesus in the 21st century." This is both humorous and sometimes uncomfortable for Gould -- but she handles it with appropriate aplomb and insight.

All of this is served up with bits of Yiddish and a balanced mix of levity and gravity. Add to this Gould's familiarity with Jewish teaching and tradition mixed with her knowledge of Christianity, in particular the Roman Catholic Church. In this regard, this book is an interfaith feast for the senses.

If you are looking for a short book that packs a theological, catechetical, ecumenical and humorous punch, the answer is right here -- plus, you will finally learn why there really may be a menorah on the altar.

OK, for me, Catholicism satisfies several personal needs: spiritual, educational, logical and emotional. Being Catholic also means I get to study and learn for the rest of my life, and "Why Is There a Menorah on the Altar: The Jewish Roots of Christian Worship" certainly helps satisfy the longing for "continuing religious education," while both teaching and pushing to learn/read/discuss more.

Meredith Gould's book is personal in spots, retelling key moments of her life as a Jewish convert to Catholicism. And while being intensely personal at moments, her book is not off-puttingly so. Not off-putting at all, in fact. By sharing her sacramental interactions and path toward her conversion, she adds to the richness of her biblical and historical observations of both Judaism and Christianity.

This book is part Bible study guide, part historical guide, part prayer/meditation guide. By the author's blending these various components into a single book, the reader is left with a deeper, more connected and spiritual understanding of Christianity. The references to Hebrew scripture that carry through to the Gospel and other New Testament passages certainly will explain why Catholics (and other liturgical-based Christian faith traditions) do some of the things we do and see some of the things we see in the sanctuary. If you've ever felt that your connection to Jesus through the Church was one based in ancient practices and beliefs, then understanding and developing a connection to the "roots" of those traditions and teachings will bring great joy to you as it did as I read this book, contemplated the questions posed and meditated on the thoughts suggested.

Readers of this book will also appreciate the academic elements, with citations and the appendices are wonderfully done and include a glossary of Hebrew terms, selected documents of Jewish-Christian dialogue, historical timelines and recommendations for further study.

As Advent rounds the "rose" colored candle and heads toward the celebration of the birth of Jesus, I am reminded there is never a bad time to learn more about our Savior and His life on Earth, I am just grateful that thanks to Meredith Gould's book I will know more clearly why there's a Menorah on the altar.

In America, we often say that we live in a Judeo-Christian culture. How often we forget about the Judeo part of that label. In her book Why Is There a Minorah on the Altar, Meredith Gould explores the Jewish roots of some of our liturgical Christian practices. Sshe does this in clear, siomple prose, with lots of humor thrown in. For those who are new to the liturgical practices in the Christian faith, much of this will come as revelation. To those who have been in this community for a while, there may be some new information, but probaly more reminders of what we already know.

This is a quick and easy read and I highly rercommend it.

My own path from Judaism to Christianity was made easier by a few particularly brilliant people that both helped me understand my new faith on its own terms and in the terms of Judaism.

I knew, intellectually, that a lot of early Christian worship was very similar to Jewish worship as both weaved their way through history the two changed but had some very real connections left. In the Episcopal church, with the revision of the prayerbook in 1979, the older patterns of worship resurfaced a bit more significantly. But this was all intellectual... when I sat through a Christian service there was very little that made me harken back to a temple or synagogue service. The differences were just too pressing, just enough so that it was all still quite alien. While I grew accustomed to my new home, it never quite connected back to my old one.

Meredith Gould, who, like me, converted from Judaism to a liturgical form of Christianity (Roman Catholicism), helped me form these connections with her new book Why Is There a Menorah on the Altar? Jewish Roots of Christian Worship. I devoured the book quickly - it's written in a relaxed, casual style that often amuses as much as it educates without knocking you over with the enormity that are both Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions.

This is the book that, I think, would have eased my conversion more than anything else I might have read - because as either a Jew or an Episcopalian (or other liturgical tradition, this book is of special significance to Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Orthodox individuals) so much of what our religion is lies in our shared worship. As one of my friends and mentors put it "prayer shapes believing" and the heart of liturgical prayer is the worship we share. Whether it is the objects of the sanctuary or the particular pattern of prayers, Meredith weaves the connections seamlessly and clearly - and this is vital. We find a vital connection to our Jewish roots here, remembering that we are all children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, all praying to the same God of Israel.

This book is put together in such a way that it is an excellent, quick, thoughtful read for an individual or an excellent text for a Sunday school class to work through. I would suggest it as reading material for all Christians, especially from the 'liturgical traditions,' who wish to know about the Jewish roots of Christianity.

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy of this text. It goes without saying that I'm far too cynical to heap this praise upon it unless I believed it, and I do.

Meredith Gould tells you with wit and depth. The book is excellent -- erudite and charming and breezy (in a good way) all at the same time. And she has constructed a book for today's short attention spans with boxes, lists, etc., without sacrificing fact, history or theology.

My general opinion about all things religious and especially denominational is, "Can't we all just get along?" Finally, a book that proves we can and we should because historically our roots are the same.


The first half of the book delves into scripture capturing insights that will benefit the new believer and devoted follower alike. Clear instructions on how to read and interpret scripture lay the groundwork for a wealth of passages that will keep you thinking long after the final page. Woven throughout is God's presence in the lives of His people from long ago that continues on in the lives of those who believe.


The other half of the book zeros in on the sacraments of baptism, communion and confirmation. The reason I'm doing something is important and this book answered a ton of questions for me. I highlighted, took notes, and had a few "aha!" moments. Sitting in church just last night I found myself thinking, "So, that's why they do that!"


There are enough humorous and personal examples by the author to keep the reader entertained and interested in some heavy reading material. It's perfectly balanced.


This is an important book. You will benefit from the quality research and deep insights no matter what church you call home.

Like many in the Midwest in the 1950s and `60s, I grew up in a small community with an abundance of churches--all of them representing different Christian denominations. It wasn't until I was working at the University of Iowa that I first encountered, albeit from a distance, a Jewish institution. Spending a lot of time in the hospital when my mother was ill, I could catch a glimpse of the Hillel Jewish Student Center. As I gazed at the center, I often wondered exactly how the Jewish community worshiped, but never visited the Hillel Center to find out.

Today, however, I can say I have a better understanding of the Jewish faith and its customs. A couple of years ago I attended the funeral of a dear colleague I had worked with at Iowa State University. The funeral was held at her synagogue, and thus I gained a first-hand, but still minimal, exposure to Judaism. More recently I purchased a copy of Meredith Gould's "Why is There a Menorah on the Altar?"

I found it difficult to put down this masterfully written book about the Jewish sources of Christian practices (to be sure, these practices are found primarily in such "liturgical" churches as the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran). Gould points out, just as my departed Jewish colleague and I had discussed years before, that Jesus Himself was a Jew and lived His life as a Jew. Thus, for me, it was--and is--important to learn about the religious practices Jesus Himself observed.

In earlier volumes I had read about such things as the relationship of certain aspects the Eucharist to Jewish practice. Who can fail to see, for instance, the parallels between such Jewish prayers as "Blessed be Thou, Lord our God, eternal King, Who bringest forth bread from the earth... Who createst the fruit of the vine" and the beautiful prayers, familiar to Catholics, "Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer... Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands..." The beauty of these prayers thus has Jewish origins. For the Christian lay community--and perhaps for clerics as well--Gould has done a superb job of synthesizing in a relatively short book such facts as these that have been scattered in multiple sources. She is uniquely qualified for the task, having been raised Jewish and later converting to Roman Catholicism.

Gould begins with a discussion of the Old Testament, or Hebrew scripture. Here she first demonstrates her talent as a gifted writer and speaker, weaving an occasional touch of light-heartedness into a serious subject, something she does through much of the book. For instance, when discussing where to begin reading the Bible, she says she always tells people to begin with the book of Genesis for a great number of reasons, "including the fact that every possible instance of human bad behavior can be found in this first book of holy scripture." She turns next to history and the separation of Christianity from Judaism. She then explores Christian worship, looking first at the worship space and then at the worship service and how both can find certain roots in Jewish practice. Following this are separate chapters on baptism, Holy Communion, and confirmation. Each chapter ends with a short series of questions for reflection and discussion and a suggestion entitled "Try This," which, like the series of questions, will help readers better appreciate what they learned in the chapter. Endnotes and four appendices complete the book: a timeline of the emergence of Christianity from Judaism; a glossary of Hebrew terms and Jewish concepts; a collection of selected documents on Christian-Jewish dialogue; and a list of recommended sources.

I highly recommend this well-written and thought-provoking book to all members of the Christian community who are interested in Christian-Jewish dialogue. Now, for myself, I only wish that I could have the privilege of getting to hear Meredith Gould speak in person...