Hoyer Statement on Rosh Hashanah

Statement

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today to mark Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown:

"Tonight, Jewish families in America and across the world will begin observing Rosh Hashanah and wishing each other a sweet new year. This will be a new year unlike those before, with many gathering virtually instead of in synagogues, with families joining together across states and regions instead of across one table. Nevertheless, this is a season of togetherness and community. I pray that those observing Rosh Hashanah will be filled with a spirit of unity even while celebrating apart. I also send a special new year greetings to those observing the holiday while serving in our nation's uniform overseas.

"The past year has been one of loss, hardship, and uncertainty. It has called each of us to embrace our responsibility to one another by doing our part to stop the spread of a deadly disease. It has also called us to help those in our communities who have struggled as a result of the pandemic's economic impacts. Undoubtedly, many are eager to turn the page and begin anew in 5781.

"As the new year dawns, let us find in this season of renewal a new energy to rededicate ourselves to the hard work before us. The pandemic will continue forcing us to adapt to new ways of living; an uncertain economy will call us to reach our hands out in help to more of our neighbors; a deeply divided politics and the dark forces of authoritarianism will test our democracy and compel each of us to do our part to preserve, protect, and defend our Constitution. I hope that this holiday season will offer a chance to take stock of the work ahead -- a moment of sweetness to counteract the bitterness of our times. May it be a reminder of the sweet and joyful times that surely, if we succeed in meeting this moment of challenge, lie ahead of us in the years to come. "Shana Tova U'Metuka.'"

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