Pope's Historic Visit to Synagogue

It was a short visit, but a warm one. Just ahead of Passover, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope to visit an American synagogue.

He made it sound as if he were a neighbor who just dropped by, noting he was staying nearby to the Park East Synagogue.

Rabbi Arthur Schneier gave him a seder plate insribed "from slavery to freedom," the story of Passover. He was give a Haggadah, the story of the exodus from Egypt, and a box of matzoh that he said he would enjoy the next evening, the start of Passover. Applause rose up as he greeted children and shook hands as he slowly made his way to leave.

Here is the text of the pope's brief remarks.

Dear Friends,
Shalom! It is with joy that I come here, just a few hours before the celebration of your Pesah, to express my respect and esteem for the Jewish community in New York City. The proximity of this place of worship to my residence gives me the opportunity to greet some of you today. I find it moving to recall that Jesus, as a young boy, heard the words of Scripture and prayed in a place such as this. I thank Rabbi Schneier for his words of welcome and I particularly appreciate your kind gift, the spring flowers and the lovely song that the children sang for me. I know that the Jewish community make a valuable contribution to the life of the city, and I encourage all of you to continue building bridges of friendship with all the many different ethnic and religious groups present in your neighborhood. I assure you most especially of my closeness at this time, as you prepare to celebrate the great deeds of the Almighty, and to sing the praises of Him who has worked such wonders for his people. I would ask those of you who are present to pass on my greetings and good wishes to all the members of the Jewish community. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

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