𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝗺 𝗞𝗶𝗽𝗽𝘂𝗿
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to Jewish communities in South Africa and around the world as they observe Rosh Hashanah and prepare for Yom Kippur.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Friday, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of faith, family, renewal and reflection during the Jewish High Holy Days.
“As the Jewish community enters the period of the High Holy Days, we are reminded of the abiding value in faith and family,” the President said.
Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year and begins a sacred period of prayer and introspection that culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Ramaphosa said the observance carries a message about the capacity of individuals to bring meaningful change to their own lives and the lives of others.
“In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah is a time for renewal and reflection, and carries a profound and timeless message about our power to bring about change, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to the South African Jewish community, describing it as an important part of the country’s national fabric.
“On behalf of all South Africans, we wish those who are observing Rosh Hashanah a sweet year full of hope and happiness, and a meaningful Yom Kippur fast,” Ramaphosa said.
He concluded his message with the traditional greeting: “L’Shana Tova Umetukah”, meaning “May you have a good and sweet year.”
