Hello everyone. Chag Sameach.

Tonight, Jewish people will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

At this time of the year, the Jewish Calendar starts again.

It’s a time for hope and for many traditions.

Families eat apples with honey to represent their wish for a sweet new year.

Pomegranate is placed on the dinner table to represent mitzvot, or good deeds.

And loved ones come together to pray for new beginnings.

These traditions have been celebrated for generations and are practiced around the world.

Wherever you are for these festivities, Rosh Hashanah is a time to think about the future.

A future of peace, prosperity, and good fortune.

And a future where everyone is free to follow their traditions and celebrate their faith.

Anti-Semitism has become all too common in our communities, and it’s up to every one of us to stand against it.

Our government will continue to support the Jewish community and stand firm against hatred and discrimination in all its forms.

I extend my warmest wishes to people in the Jewish community who are celebrating tonight.

May this new year bring you health and happiness.

Shana Tova Umetukah!