|
|
|
September 20, 2007
Governor sends best wishes to Jewish and Islamic communities on religious observances this month Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. extends greetings to the territory’s Jewish community in celebrating the "High Holidays," considered to be the most important holidays of the Jewish year. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which began at sundown on September 12, literally means "head of the year" in Hebrew. The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement," are commonly known as "the Days of Awe." For the Jewish community, this period is a time for serious introspection, a time to consider one’s mistakes and sins of the past year and to make amends before Yom Kippur. deJongh also extends best wishes to the Islamic community on Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and in the evening, eating small meals and visiting with friends and family. It is also a time of worship and reflection as well as a time to strengthen family and community ties. |
