[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16273]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF ROSH HASHANAH--THE JEWISH NEW YEAR

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                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 2002

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, 
the Jewish new year. As with the secular new year, Rosh Hashanah is 
often a time of resolutions. Jews from around the world reflect on the 
year that has passed and look forward to the year to come with a sense 
of renewal and of hope. According to tradition, on Rosh Hashanah the 
Book of Life is opened and observers are given a chance to atone for 
the sins and weaknesses of the past year.
  As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, I hope that we can 
all join together with our Jewish neighbors and friends in the same 
spirit of solemn reflection. While we look back upon the extraordinary 
year that has passed, let us resolve to adopt our own resolutions of 
``tikkun'' or healing. We honor the age old Jewish tradition of making 
amends with each other and repenting for the hurts and 
misunderstandings that we have caused one another through the year.
  While Jewish communities gather and recommit themselves to God and to 
each other during this holiday season, let us take a page from this 
ancient religion's teachings and strive to live by the tenet that we 
should avoid doing to others that which we deem hateful to ourselves. 
The world would most certainly be a safer and more peaceful place if we 
strived to achieve this goal.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Rosh Hashanah and wish all who 
observe a safe and happy holiday.

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