A native of Cleveland, Budin grew up listening to stories and songs taught to him by a family of talented singers and songwriters. He studied theater in college and has been involved in Jewish education for many years. He will be available to sign copies of his CDs and tapes following the Temple Israel concert. All St. Louisans should take pride in the impending visit of Pope John Paul II to our community. We rejoice with our Catholic brothers and sisters in this recognition of the strength and importance of St. Louis in the larger Catholic scheme of things.
Papal visits are important opportunities for interfaith understanding and dialogue.
Nearly every religious organization in St. Louis has made an effort to participate in the January 1999 visit. Organizers of the papal itinerary have been understandably frustrated by the brief time alloted for activities in St. Louis. As of this writing, the visit will last just over twenty-four hours. No wonder there is little time set aside for interfaith contact. Oh well, as non- Catholics, I am sure we will be able to get over it.