President Donald Trump on Monday released a video message to Jewish families, wishing them "many blessings" and a happy new year as they prepare for the High Holy Days.
The High Holy Days mark the beginning of a new Jewish calendar year and consist of the two holidays: Rosh Hashanah, the new year, and Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. The ten-day interval, which includes the two holidays, is the time of year when the Jewish people complete self-assessments and seek forgiveness from others.
"The High Holy Days are a time of both reflection on the past year and hope for renewal in the year to come," Trump said. "Jewish communities across the country, and around the world, enter into a time of prayer, repentance, and rededication to the sacred values and traditions that guide the incredible character, and spirit, of the Jewish people."
"We reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel, and we ask God to deliver justice, dignity, and peace on Earth. Melania [Trump] and I wish everyone a sweet, healthy, and peaceful year, which we hope will bring many blessings to all," Trump added.
Trump, who was joined by his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, made a conference call to rabbis and other Jewish leaders on Friday to mark the upcoming High Holy days, according to Politico.
During the call the president expressed "deep admiration for the Jewish people" for enduring "unthinkable persecution" over the centuries, and praised the Jewish new year, which begins Wednesday, for its tradition of helping individuals to "rededicate your lives to the sacred values you hold dear." The holiday, Rosh Hashana, begins 10 days of repentance ending with Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.
Trump, who has frequently vowed to remain a staunch ally of Israel, also reiterated his commitment to maintaining strong U.S. ties to the country going forward.
"I am proud to stand with the Jewish people and with our cherished friend and ally, the State of Israel," he said, according to a White House readout of the call.