Pope Benedict's Address to the Park East Synagogue
Pope Benedict's Address to the Park East Synagogue 18 April 2008 New York City
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!