This file is copyright (c) 1997 The Philalethes Society and all rights
including any redistribution rights are reserved by the copyright holder.
Permission to quote from, redistribute or to otherwise use these materials
must be obtained from the copyright holder directly by contacting The
Philalethes, Nelson King, FPS, Editor, 2 Knockbolt Crescent, Agincourt
Ontario Canada, M1S 2P6. Tel: 416-293-8071 Fax: 416-293-8634 or
nking@freemasonry.org or nking@onramp.ca




 York Rite Masonry, A Jewish Perspective.
 An Open Letter To All Jewish Freemasons

 One of my fondest memories when I was growing up, was seeing my
 grandfather in his Shrine Fez.  I also remember his Shrine ring,
 with the Scimitar-and-Crescent on one side, and the Double-Headed
 Eagle of the Scottish Rite on the other.  I knew there was
 another Body, the York Rite, because they sponsored my DeMolay
 Chapter.  I asked him if he also belonged to the York Rite.  He
 became angry, and said, "of course not.  The York Rite is for the
 Goyim (Gentiles).  We have nothing to do with them.  No true Jew
 would join the York Rite."  I nodded dutifully, and resolved to
 enter the Scottish Rite when I was old enough.

 Well, old enough came around while I was stationed in Northern
 California with the Air Force.  I joined the Blue Lodge, and was
 ready to join the Scottish Rite, when I was transferred to
 Illinois.  I did join the Scottish Rite there, and while
 receiving my degrees at the Reunion, I was approached by a
 Brother, who inquired about the Yarmulke (skull cap) I wore.  I 
 told him about my background, and that I always wore a yarmulke
 while in civilian clothes.  He asked me if I was also in the York
 Rite.  "Of course not," I replied, "what do you take me for, a
 Messianic Jew?"  (A Messianic Jew is one who believes in Christ,
 and is looked at with extreme skepticism by most Jews)  I could
 barely reconcile the Degree of Rose Croix. (18th Degree of the AASR)

 Thus began my education, and the end of my ignorance.  This 
 Brother, who is now my best friend, patiently explained the
 organization and history of the York Rite, and that only one
 segment required Christian belief, the Commandry of Knight
 Templar.  I could join the Chapter of Royal Arch and Council of
 Royal and Select Masters without compromising my beliefs, and he
 did agree that a Jew could not join the Commandry without
 compromising himself.

 So, being of an open mind, and desiring all the Light I could
 find, I petitioned the Chapter and Council.  I loved my
 grandfather dearly, but this was something he missed.  The
 Chapter and Council degrees conform to the Solmonic Legend, and
 the 3-14 degrees of the AASR were patterned after them.  They
 were also the most beautiful degrees I have ever seen; that which
 was lost, was found, and all the questions I had from the Blue
 Lodge were answered.  And when I was elected to the Oriental
 Chair in the Chapter and Council, the Chair Degrees (Order of
 High Priesthood, and Order of the Silver Trowel) were even more
 impressive, and above all, JEWISH, than I have ever seen; taking
 their lessons from the stories of Abraham and Melchizedek, and
 the Annointing of Solomon.  I then realized how much I would have
 missed if I would have remained myopic, and not sought this new
 Light.

 I still wear a Yarmulke, and still revere the memory of my
 ancestors, I still daven every morning and evening, but every 2nd
 Wednesday of the month, I put on the aprons of the Chapter and
 Council, and enjoy the brotherhood of the York Rite.  I urge all
 my Lantzmen to petition.  Leave the Commandry to the Goyim,  but
 you can't go wrong with the Chapter and Council.  The Scottish
 Rite will get you to the Shrine, but the York Rite will get you
 to the Light.
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