Pope sends New Year message to Rabbi

(September 10, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of congratulations and friendship to the Jewish community of Rome, on the occasion of the Jewish festivities celebrated this month. The Jewish calendar marks the New Year, Sept. 9-10, the Day of Atonement on Sept. 18 and the Feast of the Tabernacles, Sept. 23-29. In his message to the Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, the Pontiff conveyed to all the city’s Jewish community, his "most cordial and sincere wishes," as well as his "hope that these celebrations will bring copious blessings from the Eternal and be a source of profound joy." He further wished that the will to promote justice and peace, so much needed by the world today, grow in us.” "May God, in his goodness, protect the whole community and grant that we grow in mutual friendship, in Rome and in the world," the Pope wished.