I feel that your artical is interesting and you are quite clearly a knowledgable man, but to anybody with any knowledge on Catholisism and Jewdaism the points you make are a little bit short of what they could be. As for your question as to why Jewish people may be waiting 'with some enthusiasm to welcome Benedict to their holy space.' the answer is some what obvious, Pope Benidict XVI is an influencial and powerful man, do you mean to say that you find it hard to understand why they might want him to come to their holy space?

And you are a Professer??

As a descendent of famous Rabbi's and growing up in a home full of holocaust survivors I was amazed at how wonderfully this Pope has furthered the cause of Catholic outreach to world religious communities. I grew up in Buffalo, New York and still attend a 100 year old Orthodox Synagogue. I am an American Jew who learned from a young age growing up next to St. Margarets Roman Catholic Church to get along with my neighbors. My best friends who were Italian American and Roman Catholic went to my Bar Mitzvah as I went to their family events. I grew up being told that Jews killed Jesus Christ and asked my grandfather who was a Rabbi what to do. He told me to stand up for my religion but to respect others. My father died years ago and I told my good friend Jim Lorigo who owns a Food Company about his death. Mr. Lorigo left his place of business during his busiest time to come to my father's funeral. When another good friend, Chief of Patrol Lawrence Rammuno father passed away I went to Church and sat next to Police Commissioner Rocco Diina and paid respects. I think the lessons learned is that men and women of good faith can learn to live together in harmony even if our religious leaders do not always agree. As if I will go to heaven I can only hope that I can someday to see my ancestors and friends from all walks of religious life. As I prepare for the Sabbath and Passover with my family and friends I can say that seeing the Pope and hearing his words have given me renewed hope in this world full of hate and division. Kalman Abraham Sull