Governor Paterson's Visit To The Kane Street Synagogue Last Night

State Senator Daniel Squadron was hosting Governor Paterson at last night's evening meal in the Sukkah at the Kane Street Synagogue at 236 Kane Street, between Court and Clinton Streets.
Also in attendance were Borough President Markowitz, Democratic District Leader Jo Anne Simon and 39th Council District Candidate Brad Lander.

There was great excitement as the Governor walked through the doors. Within minutes, he was surrounded by a throng of children, all eagerly stretching out their hands to greet him. They may not quite have known what a Governor does, but they knew that the man in front of them was important and that this was an exciting moment.
Governor Paterson seemed delighted to meet them. Asked playfully if he had voted in the last election, one little boy assured the Governor that "yes" he had voted "for Obama".

As everyone took their seat in the Sukkah, Rabbi Samuel Weintraub welcomed the Governor and spoke of the significance of Sukkot, a holiday "were we bring everyone in" and "were we should have no walls." The Sukkot is also a " a statement that we can learn from everyone."

Governor Paterson thanked Rabbi Weintraub and Senator Squadron for inviting him. He told the gathered that he "was delighted to be here."
Referring to Sukkot's origin as a thanksgiving and celebration for the bounty of nature, he stated that "the harvest might not have been as plentiful as in years past," but that our ancestors had faced much more adversity, always hoping for a better life, and never losing faith that the "future of that life was on the horizon."

Noting recent events, Governor Paterson applauded the Kane Street Synagogue's ability to stand up to the hateful protesters from Kansas, who recently set up in front of the synagogue to spread their message of hate. It had been "a very difficult week" for the synagogue, Governor Paterson said.

In parting, the children sang for him. It was clear that everyone gathered in the Sukkah enjoyed the visit. It was also clear that Governor Paterson had enjoyed it very much himself.


I would like to thank State Senator Squadron and his staff for inviting me to cover this event and for recognizing neighborhood bloggers. I was thrilled to be there.



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