Pope Benedict XVI Embraced At NYC Synagogue
"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." -- Pope Benedict XVIHis Holiness Becomes First Pope To Visit Synagogue In U.S.
NEW YORK (CBS) ― Pope Benedict XVI made a historic visit to Park East Synagogue on East 67th Street in Manhattan on Friday, becoming just the third pope to visit a Jewish house of worship anywhere in the world, and the first to do it during a trip to the United States.
The pope met with members of the synagogue, as well as local Jewish leaders, and then spoke of how it is important for people of all religions to continue to build bridges between each other.
"Your Holiness, a heartfelt Shalom!" Park East Rabbi Arthur Schneier said as he addressed his congregation.
Pope Benedict sat to Schneier's right and listened intently as the rabbi expressed his heartfelt gratitude that the leader of the Catholic Church would find it in his heart to visit the synagogue during his three-day stop in New York City.
"The sun is shining and the heavens are rejoicing on this day. How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in peace and unity," Rabbi Schneier said.
The rabbi wished the pope happy birthday and asked God to "grant you health and strength and fruitful years."
"We bless the lord for having kept us alive and has enabled us to witness this historic occasion. You're first visit on American soil, a synagogue that has stood here for 120 years founded by immigrants. We thank God for having spared us to witness this great occasion.
"(The visit) also coincides three years ago with the start of your pontificate. And I recall it was April 24, coincided with Passover. You were kind enough to send a gracious invitation to me to attend your inauguration that read:
"I also trust in the help of the almighty to continue the dialogue already begun and to strengthen the cooperation of the sons and daughters of the Jewish people."
Schneier went on to say that Friday's visit was a reaffirmation of the pope's outreach, goodwill and commitment to enhancing Jewish-Catholic relations.
"In our lifetime, your Holiness, both of us have experienced the ravages of war, the Holocaust, man's inhumanity to man, as we also taste the joy of freedom. And as this momentous occasion takes place on American soil, where men and women escaping the clutches of oppression and religious persecution have both a nation of democracy and freedom, this is a nation that has allowed all religious communities to flourish, including Catholic and Jewish communities."
The pope was then presented with a Seder dish, to which he said: "It's a wonderful gift. I will always remember this moment."
The pope then took the podium. He thanked everyone for the invitation and expressed his continued wish for harmony between all religious sects:
"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!"
The pope then left the synagogue and proceeded to St. Joseph's Church in Yorkville before retiring for the night.
The pope will continue his New York City-area visit Saturday when he travels to St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers. He will hold mass at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. (WCBSTV)
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
The pope met with members of the synagogue, as well as local Jewish leaders, and then spoke of how it is important for people of all religions to continue to build bridges between each other.
"Your Holiness, a heartfelt Shalom!" Park East Rabbi Arthur Schneier said as he addressed his congregation.
Pope Benedict sat to Schneier's right and listened intently as the rabbi expressed his heartfelt gratitude that the leader of the Catholic Church would find it in his heart to visit the synagogue during his three-day stop in New York City.
"The sun is shining and the heavens are rejoicing on this day. How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in peace and unity," Rabbi Schneier said.
The rabbi wished the pope happy birthday and asked God to "grant you health and strength and fruitful years."
"We bless the lord for having kept us alive and has enabled us to witness this historic occasion. You're first visit on American soil, a synagogue that has stood here for 120 years founded by immigrants. We thank God for having spared us to witness this great occasion.
"(The visit) also coincides three years ago with the start of your pontificate. And I recall it was April 24, coincided with Passover. You were kind enough to send a gracious invitation to me to attend your inauguration that read:
"I also trust in the help of the almighty to continue the dialogue already begun and to strengthen the cooperation of the sons and daughters of the Jewish people."
Schneier went on to say that Friday's visit was a reaffirmation of the pope's outreach, goodwill and commitment to enhancing Jewish-Catholic relations.
"In our lifetime, your Holiness, both of us have experienced the ravages of war, the Holocaust, man's inhumanity to man, as we also taste the joy of freedom. And as this momentous occasion takes place on American soil, where men and women escaping the clutches of oppression and religious persecution have both a nation of democracy and freedom, this is a nation that has allowed all religious communities to flourish, including Catholic and Jewish communities."
The pope was then presented with a Seder dish, to which he said: "It's a wonderful gift. I will always remember this moment."
The pope then took the podium. He thanked everyone for the invitation and expressed his continued wish for harmony between all religious sects:
"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!"
The pope then left the synagogue and proceeded to St. Joseph's Church in Yorkville before retiring for the night.
The pope will continue his New York City-area visit Saturday when he travels to St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers. He will hold mass at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. (WCBSTV)
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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