“This evening, Jewish Canadians will come together with their families and friends to celebrate the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
“In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the ten days of repentance known as the Days of Awe, during which Jews reflect on their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness for their transgressions.
“Rosh Hashanah is both a time of celebration and personal reflection. For two days, in synagogues across the country, the Jewish community will come together to pray, and to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of hearing the blowing of the shofar, the traditional ram’s horn, which is viewed as both a spiritual wakeup call and a reminder to repent.
“For all Canadians, this day of observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that members of our Jewish community have made to our country in all areas of endeavour.
“As the Minister for Multiculturalism, I wish all those celebrating many great blessings.
“L’shana tovah tikkatevu v’techatemu.”
