Rosh Hashanah greetings

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister

Shanah tova u’metukah!

I’m delighted to send Australian Jewish communities my best wishes for a happy, sweet and successful new year.

For generations, the Jewish High Holy Days have been a precious time for self and communal reflection, forgiveness and aspiration.

The long and important Jewish presence in Australia is a story that lifts us all up with pride in our diversity. The quiet reflection, prayers, time with friends and family, and symbolic meals provide lessons for all Australians about the importance of community and forgiveness.

As the sweetness of the traditional apple and honey points towards a sweet new year, may Rosh Hashanah bring joy to you and your families.

Peter Dutton, Federal opposition leader

On behalf of the Coalition, I extend my warmest wishes to Australia’s 100,000 strong Jewish community and the readers of the Australian Jewish News as you welcome the New Year.

As the sound of the shofar awakens spirits, it must also serve as a reminder to pause and contemplate the past year, to examine one’s actions and intentions, and to envision the future we wish to create in the year ahead.

In a world where people of Jewish faith continue to contend with discrimination and adversity, I offer my support as an enduring friend of Israel and pledge to stand with you in the mutual and noble endeavour of seeking a brighter future for all Jewish people.

As you come together with your family and loved ones to light candles, enjoy festive meals, connect with your community and pray at your local synagogue, may this time shine a light on your inner strength and remind you of the sweetness and meaning in life.

May this Rosh Hashanah mark the start of a year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity for all.

Shanah Tova U’Metukah!

Chris Minns, NSW Premier

As we usher in the Jewish New Year, it is with great joy and reverence that we extend our warmest wishes to readers The Australian Jewish News.

Rosh Hashanah serves as a time for self-reflection, repentance and seeking forgiveness. We take this opportunity to evaluate our actions, mend broken relationships and strive for personal growth in the year ahead. It is a time to embrace the values of compassion, kindness, and justice, and to reaffirm our commitment to tikkun olam.

Of course, no Rosh Hashanah celebration would be complete without the sweet taste of apple dipped in honey, symbolising our hope for a sweet and fruitful year, or the sounding of the shofar awakening our spirits. Sharing meals with loved ones, including symbolic foods like challah and pomegranates, brings the community together in the ineffable spirit of this special time of year.

As we gather with family and friends, let us cherish the blessings of the year gone by and embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. May this Rosh Hashanah be a time of deep reflection, renewed purpose and abundant blessings for all.

We are proud of the Jewish community’s commitment to social harmony, interfaith dialogue and peace in Australia, and wish everyone a peaceful and happy Rosh Hashanah.

Shana tovah u’metukah. A happy and sweet new year to the Jewish community of NSW and around Australia!

Mark Speakman, NSW Opposition Leader

On behalf of the NSW Opposition, I extend my best wishes to our Jewish community as you celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Our warmest wishes go to you and your families on this joyous occasion as you mark the beginning of a new year and reflect on the year past.

Rosh Hashanah is a time to come together with family and friends, to share in the highlights and joyous moments of life, and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation from the lowlights and difficulties faced.

It is a moment when we acknowledge the importance of the past, the opportunities of the present, and the hopes for the future. It reminds us of the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish people, who have overcome countless challenges throughout history with unwavering faith and determination.

We express our appreciation for the many contributions the Jewish community has made to our cultural, social and economic fabric. Your commitment to education, social justice and community welfare is an inspiration to us all. I have been proud to work with the Jewish community on several important reforms, and we look forward to a new year of strengthened partnership.

L’Shana tova u’metukah – a happy and sweet new year to you all!

Daniel Andrews, Victorian Premier

Daniel Andrews.

Rosh Hashanah is a time for faith, family and friends.

Each year, the time comes to reflect on the year that has passed and to consider the path that lies ahead.

In this time of renewal, I want to acknowledge the meaningful and lasting contribution that Victoria’s Jewish community makes to our state.

And with these celebrations of tradition, you continue to strengthen the Jewish community’s place within Victoria – making our state a better place to live and work.

Shana Tova!

John Pesutto, Victorian Opposition Leader

I am delighted to send my best wishes to Victoria’s Jewish community and the readers of the Australian Jewish News on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah is an important date in the Jewish religious calendar. It marks the commence of ten days of introspection and reflection, a significant time for the Jewish community around the world and here in Victoria.

Significant occasions such as this remind us of the importance of community and the strength of our state’s multicultural character.

In Victoria, we are fortunate to be home to a vibrant and energetic Jewish community, which has shown great dedication and generosity in preserving and sharing its rich cultural traditions. I thank the community for their significant and numerous contributions to our diverse society.

Victoria’s Jewish community and other multicultural community organisations play an essential role in helping maintain our state’s status as an accepting and tolerant place where all Victorians can openly celebrate their heritage.

The Victorian Liberals and Nationals firmly believe that Victoria’s incredible diversity of beliefs and cultures has significantly enriched our society.

Together with my colleagues, we wish the readers of the Australian Jewish News and Victoria’s Jewish Community a happy and prosperous New Year.

Shanah Tovah