By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted September 19, 2025

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez sent a letter Sept. 18 to the Jewish Community on the approach of Rosh Hashanah And Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah, Jewish new year, begins at sundown on Monday, Sept. 22 and concludes at nightfall on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, begins Wednesday, Oct. 1 at sundown and ends at nightfall on Thursday, Oct. 2.

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“Dear Friends in the Jewish Faith Community,

I write to extend warm greetings and prayerful best wishes as you prepare to celebrate the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

At this time, I am mindful of the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land. As you mark the tragic anniversary of the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and await the return of hostages held in captivity, I join with you in praying for a just and lasting peace. The Holy Land is dear to both of our faith traditions and rooted in the Lord’s covenant with Abraham, our father in faith.

These days of the new year 5786 present opportunities for solemn prayer and reflection on the past while looking to the future with joyful hope. May hope and joy inspire people of good will to respond with compassion to human suffering around the world due to war, famine, natural disasters, and political strife.

On behalf of the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I pledge spiritual closeness and a remembrance in my prayers for you at this time.

May the Almighty bless you abundantly with peace, good health, and fulfillment.

Shanah Tovah!”

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia