Today’s gospel text focuses on the observance of “the tradition of the Elders.” It included the collection of the legal interpretations of the written law regarded by the Scribes and Pharisees as having the same binding force as the Mosaic law itself. The collection is published in what is called the Talmud. These are traditions about the Sabbath, worship, clothing, marriage, business, work, as well as food.
It is believed that these traditions constituted ways of keeping Jewish identity as well as Judaism, the faith tradition of the Jewish people. The traditions were to enhance their practice of their faith in everyday life. Continue reading “Letter from the Pastor”
