On Wednesday, 13th September I was invited to attend a reception at No.10 Downing Street to celebrate the start of the Jewish New Year.
Rosh Hashanah – meaning “beginning of the year” – is the official Jewish New Year and is an important date in the calendar for the millions of people who follow Judaism around the world. Rosh Hashanah is considered the beginning of the year because it is the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.
No 10 holds receptions throughout the year for all different faiths and I have been honoured to attend receptions marking Eid in the Muslim faith, and Diwali in the Hindu faith for example, as well as Hanukkah in the Jewish faith. This was however apparently the first Downing Street reception for Rosh Hashanah and was a great success – the Prime Minister hosted the many guests, including the Chief Rabbi.
People of all backgrounds and faiths feel welcome in Northampton and I regularly meet with religious community leaders. I would like to wish our small and very long-established local Jewish community a happy New Year.