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Rosh Hashanah is a time of renewal, reflection and introspection for the Jewish community in the United States and around the world. On this day of remembrance and judgment — of repentance, prayer, and justice — Jewish families have the opportunity to come together to celebrate the year that’s past and rejoice in a year of good fortune, health, and happiness yet to come.

As the Jewish community marks a new year, let us use this time to rededicate ourselves to the core values shared by all faiths: to pursue peace; to perfect the world and work toward the common good; to perform acts of loving kindness and treat others with civility, generosity, and respect. In a time of challenge for so many, let our actions be guided by a commitment to help our neighbors, a promise to open our hands and our hearts to the less fortunate among us, and a pledge to embrace our diversity as a source of strength, not a cause for division.

May this Rosh Hashanah begin a year of joy and celebration for the Jewish community.

Shanah tovah u’metukah — may this be a happy, healthy and sweet new year.