[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CELEBRATING ROSH HASHANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Jewish New Year or 
Rosh Hashana. This is the 5766th year on the Jewish calendar. Rosh 
Hashana is the Hebrew phrase which literally translates to ``the head 
of the year.''
  As the Jewish people of our great country and around the world 
celebrate this new year, let us join them in their prayers for peace, 
justice and equality. Let us not forget those of us, of all faiths, who 
are struggling, especially in the wake of the devastating Hurricane 
Katrina in the Gulf.
  A new year is a symbol of hope and this year is no different. Today, 
we need to have hope more than ever. Hope for less wars and more 
diplomacy, hope for breaking racial barriers and coming together, and 
hope for restraint and modesty in the face of great challenges.
  Jewish people throughout the world join their loved ones and friends 
to take part in a traditional dinner where they enjoy sweet foods such 
as apples and honey. These foods symbolize the notion of starting a new 
and sweet year.
  Even many of the 10,000 Jewish Katrina evacuees got to celebrate this 
new year. In Houston, Rabbi Robert Loewy of Congregation Gates of 
Prayer led a service for 120 of these evacuees. Many of them had not 
seen each other since the hurricane hit their communities over a month 
ago. Such coming together after a tremendously painful experience only 
serves to show the resilience of America's communities and the 
necessity of maintaining them.
  I know my colleagues from both sides of the aisle will join me in 
wishing a happy new year to all Jews in my district, in our country and 
around the world--both in the Diaspora and in Israel. May God continue 
to bless all of us as we face some of the most difficult tests we have 
ever been faced as a nation.
  Shana Tova Umetuka--Have a good and sweet year!

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