[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 36 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Pages 1703-1704]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance
of Rosh Hashana, 1999

September 7, 1999

    Warm greetings to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashana.
    During this season of renewal and redemption, Jews from across the 
nation and around the world heed the sound of the
shofar announcing the beginning of the High Holy Days and gather 
together with family and friends to celebrate the creation of the world 
and the beginning of the new year.
    Rosh Hashana is a time for rejoicing, but it also is a time for 
serious prayer and reflection. Jews give thanks for their blessings and 
repent for their mistakes. They resolve to change what they can to make 
the new year better than the last.
    Regrettably, this past year saw too many examples of hatred and 
violence inspired by ignorance and prejudice. We all can learn from the 
Jewish people's strong dedication to civil rights and tolerance, and we 
all must redouble our efforts to combat the forces of intolerance that 
still linger in our society.
    As we celebrate Rosh Hashana, I urge all Americans to join the 
Jewish community and to come together as a nation to speak out against 
hate crimes and to appreciate our common humanity. Together, we can work 
to ensure that the tragedies of the past year are not repeated and that 
the coming year is filled with happiness and peace.
    Hillary joins me in extending best wishes for a meaningful 
observance.
                                                  Bill Clinton

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