Ministerial masons

RABBIS who are also Freemasons – no, not the plot for Dan Brown’s latest Da Vinci Code sequel, but the topic of a historical paper being penned by emeritus rabbi of Sydney’s Great Synagogue, Rabbi Raymond Apple.

“Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity that has always had an attraction for Jews. The movement uses a great deal of Jewish material,” Rabbi Apple said.

Founded in the Middle Ages, Freemasonry rituals were based mainly on the Old Testament. In an effort to appeal to men from all corners of Christendom the ideology was strictly non-denominational, which, according to Rabbi Apple, made it appealing to Jews.

“Over the centuries many Jews, including leading rabbis, have been Freemasons. They must have felt good to encounter their own biblical figures, Noah, Nimrod, Solomon, Hiram and others, at a Masonic meeting. Those with a scholarly inclination were often motivated to research the Masonic application of Jewish legends.”

The “dechristianisation” of Freemasonry, however, was not for the sake of Jews, and there is no evidence that there was any deliberate policy to recruit Jewish members. In fact, there was debate in some places about admitting Jews at all.

“The explanation may have to do with a desire ‘to oblige (members) to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves’, i.e. a non-denominational form of Christianity that would allow appeal to men of all shades of Christology. The fact that this made it easier for Jews was a mere by-product,” he said.

To help him prepare his paper, Rabbi Apple is urging anyone with any information about Australian and New Zealand rabbis who were also Freemasons to get in touch.

Anyone with information should contact Rabbi Apple at rabbiapple@oztorah.com.

AJN STAFF