The Prime Minister’s Rosh Hashanah message
I extend my warmest greetings to all who are marking Rosh Hashanah – the start of the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the beginning of life.
Scott Morrison
In keeping with this ancient festival – one of the high holy days of your faith – you honour the past and prepare for the future through reflection and repentance.
By your actions and prayer, each of you keep alive a sacred tradition that holds both memory and hope for Jewish people across the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has cast its shadow over all our lives and kept us from the rites and gatherings we yearn to celebrate.
I know this year your celebrations will once again be subdued, but I have faith that you will find inspiration and sweetness in these days of awe, as the sound of the shofar echoes in your hearts.
The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said that Rosh Hashanah allows us ‘to begin anew, forgiven, cleansed, undaunted, ready for the next challenge, the next year.’
Though some challenges still lie ahead, I hope you can begin this New Year in a renewed spirit of hope and faith.
May you draw deeply on the same wells of solace and resilience in these difficult times that have sustained the Jewish people through generations.
L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem.
The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia
