Political Quotes

“Tomorrow, Saturday September 23--the first day of the month of Tishri on the Hebrew Calendar--Jewish people all over the world will celebrate the holiday of Rosh Hashana. On the 10th of Tishri, October 2 on the Gregorian calendar, will mark the holiday of Yom Kippur--The Day of Atonement. These two days: one a spiritually important New Years celebration, the other an opportunity for solemn reflection coupled with a recognition of God's mercy, rank alongside the weekly Sabbath as the most important holidays in Judaism. The coming weeks bring two other important, joyous holidays: Sukkot-- a commemoration of the mercy of God that allowed the Israelites to survive while wandering in the desert and Simchat Torah, a celebration of the completion of the annual cycle of readings from the scriptures most sacred to Jews. In their observances, these holidays run the gamut. Jewish law requires fasting on Yom Kippur while the celebration of Sukkot focuses on festive meals eaten in a temporary shelter. All of them, however, have a common thread: a focus on justice, on the Eternal, and upon improving--healing--the world. On ethnical monotheism. All these are important traditions that Judaism transmitted to Christianity and Islam. As we enter the Jewish holiday season, I urge all Americans to reflect on the need to heal the world, to work for peace, and to do justice. And, on this, the day before Rosh Hashana. I wish all of my Jewish friends and colleagues a Happy New Year. L'Shana Tova.”