Ottawa, September 14, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement marking Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year:
Rosh Hashanah, one of the most significant holidays for Jews around the world, begins this Sunday at sundown.
This is both a time of celebration and personal reflection. It is ‘the day of judgment’ (Yom ha-Din) and ‘the day of remembrance’ (Yom ha-Zikaron) – a time to reflect on the past, take stock of the present, and make resolutions for the year to come.
Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy Days and marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe – a period of repentance that concludes with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah traditions include sounding the shofar and eating foods, such as apples dipped in honey, that symbolize sweetness for the new year.
This time of observance provides all Canadians with an opportunity to learn more about Judaism and to reflect on the many contributions that the Jewish community has made to our country’s rich and diverse heritage.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah and I hope the new year brings everyone health, hope, peace and prosperity.
Shana Tova u’metukah.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
