OPSEU wishes a happy New Year to all Jewish communities celebrating Rosh Hashanah which literally means “head of the year.”
This Sunday, September 29th, sundown will mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish high holiday that is celebrated with prayer services in the synagogue, personal reflection and the blowing of the Shofar (ram’s horn). It is the start of the Days of Awe – a 10-day period leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
The Jewish High Holidays are an important time to gather with loved ones to reflect and repent on the past year, and are seen as an opportunity for change.
It’s also an important time for all Ontarians to reflect on our shared commitments to social justice and fairness and to celebrate our diversity.
Just like the tradition of eating apples and honey to mark the occasion and symbolize the excitement and desire for a sweet year, we wish all of those celebrating Rosh Hashanah a sweet year ahead, full of peace and goodwill.
To all OPSEU members and Jewish communities celebrating in Ontario and beyond: shana tova!
In Solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
OPSEU President
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida
OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer