As the Jewish High Holy Days begin, a Southern Baptist pamphlet is raising some eyebrows.
The Jewish New Year begins today at sundown and continues through Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, one week from Monday. The Southern Baptist
Convention Mission Board has released a prayer guide that asks its members to pray for the Jews. Some Jewish leaders say the pamphlet, which attempts to
explain the holidays, is an effort to convert Jews to Christianity. Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic of Temple Beth El in Charlotte says she hopes the Baptists will place more
emphasis on understanding different religions and less on conversion. Don Kammerdiener, the executive vice president of the Mission Board, says part of the
church’s mission is to bear witness of Christ’s love to other faiths. The International Missions board has published a similar guide to help Christians pray for Muslims
during the annual Holy Days of Ramadan. Similar guides are planned for prayer efforts focusing on Hindus and Buddhists.