One of the traditions of the Aachen Charlemagne Prize ceremonies is that the day opens with a pontifical mass in Aachen Cathedral. Most of the award winners have taken part in solemn Catholic services over the decades. This year it is different, and it has nothing to do with an affront, emphasize all the sides addressed, but rather the explanation lies in Jewish religious law.
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt will be awarded the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen City Hall on Thursday morning. He completed his visit to Aachen Cathedral, where he was greeted and guided by cathedral provost Rolf-Peter Cremer, on Wednesday afternoon. There are reports of a very friendly, caring exchange; the chief rabbi was very interested and knowledgeable.
Everything is prepared for the award ceremony to Pinchas Goldschmidt
The fact that Goldschmidt will not take part in the pontifical mass in honor of the Charlemagne Prize on Thursday morning, celebrated by Aachen Bishop Helmut This, has caused some interested questions. “No, of course it’s not an affront,” says Goldschmidt’s spokesman Oliver Rolofs. “Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt’s participation in a non-Jewish service is not permitted according to Jewish religious law, Halacha.”
Background: Participation in a non-Jewish service is generally not permitted in Judaism. In several places in the Torah it is strictly stated that one is not allowed to walk in the ways of the peoples, i.e. the non-Jews, and one is not allowed to adhere to their religious commandments and rules.