Posted on June 6, 2025 by Rabbi David Katz
Dear TBE Friends,
On May 9th Andrea Bradley and I emailed the Bishop of Metuchen to congratulate him and his community on the election of Pope Leo XIV. As you may recall, this is the message we sent:
Most Rev. James Checchio D.D.,
All Americans, not just Catholics, were thrilled and delighted by the ascension of fellow American, Cardinal Robert Francis Provost, to become the next Pope for Catholics around the world. We at Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, pray that Pope Leo XIV will continue the good work of the Church, lifting up the downtrodden and poor, and seeking world peace. Know that your Jewish friends at Temple Beth-El share these goals and are partners with you in your noble endeavors.
To you and your parishioners go our deepest wishes for a papacy filled with hope and love for all people.
L’shalom,
Rabbi David Katz
Andrea Bradley, President
And now, Temple Beth-El has received this response from the Bishop:
Friends, in this age of national and international divisiveness, with anti-Semitism on the rise and traditional alliances frayed, words such as these should be noted.
Yes, we are Americans, we are Jews – and we will thrive.
L’shalom,
Rabbi David Katz
