Ottawa, October 8, 2014– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to recognize Sukkot:
“This evening begins the week-long festival of Sukkot, a joyous holiday during which it is a special mitzvah to rejoice.
“Sukkot commemorates the 40 years that ancient Israelites wandered in the Sinai desert following their exodus from slavery in Egypt. Over the next seven days, Jewish people in Canada and around the world will come together with family and friends to honour this history.
“The word sukkot refers to the desert shelters the Israelites dwelled in during these years. Typical celebrations include building and decorating temporary sukkahs, in which guests will be welcomed to enjoy meals together. Celebrations also include daily blessings over the lulav (palm, myrtle and willow branches bound together) and etrog (yellow citron), which are representative of the four species the Jewish people would bring to the Temple in Jerusalem, and then shaken in all directions as a symbol of God’s mastery over all creation.
“As Minister for Multiculturalism, I wish Canada’s Jewish community a Chag Sukkot Sameach.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
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