We had amazing weather in NYC this weekend – mid 70’s, sunshine, low humidity. A perfect weekend for our family Seder and for the Pope’s visit, and a spectacular backdrop for the intertwining of Jewish and Catholic New York.Nowhere was that more evident than our neighborhood on the Upper East Side. The Pope stayed in the papal legation on East 72nd Street and he and his entourage/convoy used our street for access to the East Side Highway. “No Parking Friday, Saturday, and Sunday” signs appeared on lamp posts early in the week, followed by metal barriers at the curb lining the entire street. By Thursday, helicopters were sweeping the area and patrol cars were performing trial runs at blocking intersections.
I fretted about whether caterers would be able to make deliveries for our Shabbat dinner and Seder the following day. No worries – New York delivery people deal with potholes, no parking zones and gridlock on a daily basis.
In the early evening Saturday, during hors d’oeuvres and just before the Seder, we heard once again, the thump-thump-thump of low flying helicopters, crowd sounds and motorcycles through our open windows. We went out onto the balcony to peer down at the Pope’s motorcade from the 19th floor. We were riveted on the street below and when we finally looked up we saw other groups, on balconies ringing the intersection, all like us, taking a break from Passover rituals to enjoy the sunshine and watch the motorcade and crowds below. After a few friendly waves to fellow Jews across Third Avenue, we all went back to our Seders. It was a fascinating visual confirmation of the diversity that is the greatness of New York.
