Convergence Of Religious Events In Philly This Fall Has Jewish Community Thinking About Logistics
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With this year's Passover observance concluded, Philadelphia's Jewish community is already thinking ahead to the impact of the World Meeting of Families event and visit of Pope Francis occurring on top of its next solemn holiday in late September.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is one of the most important Jewish holidays on the calendar.
It begins at sundown, Sept. 22, the same day up to 15,000 people from around the world take part in the opening ceremonies for the Vatican-sponsored World Meeting of Families.
Naomi Adler, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, says, "It's incredible timing. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the continuous understanding between Catholics and Jews about each other's worship rituals."
Adler says the Jewish community needs to begin thinking about logistics and the Federation will be advising congregations about the convergence of events.
"Security measures that everyone should take in the neighborhoods that have concentrations of synagogues."
Adler says she expects some congregations will invite pilgrims attending the families conference to join them at synagogue.
