    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [October 11, 2005]
    [Page 1543]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Yom Kippur, 5766
    October 11, 2005

          Seek the Lord while He may be found,
         call unto Him while He is near.

                                                                 Isaiah 55:6

        Yom Kippur is the Sabbath of Sabbaths, the most solemn day of the
    Jewish calendar. On this day, Jews around the world reflect on their
    lives and give thanks to God for their many blessings. The Rabbis teach
    that on Yom Kippur, God holds open the gates of Heaven and listens to
    every word of every prayer. As those final prayers are shared and the
    Shofar is sounded, God remembers every name--those living and those
    departed. In this moment, we draw near to God, sharing in the wonders of
    all creation and the miracle of all life.
        Yom Kippur teaches us that we merit forgiveness and mercy through
    repentance, prayer, and acts of charity. May we have the strength to
    achieve all these things, so that we continue to build a more hopeful
    Nation and a more peaceful and free world.
        Laura and I send our best wishes for a
    blessed day.

                                                              George W. Bush

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