Trent Zimmerman (North Sydney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is an important time of year for the Jewish community around the world, and I want to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all of those observing Yamim Noraim. The Jewish New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashana, which have just concluded , are a special time for family, reflection and repentance. Those of Jewish faith are now observing the 10 Days of Awe before the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, next week. It is a period during which individuals reflect on their actions over the year just concluded and seek forgiveness from anyone they have wronged. Maybe we in this House should adopt the tradition, although 10 days may not be long enough.

I had the coincidental privilege of being in Israel last week, and I was able to observe the build-up to Rosh Hashana. The frequent sounding of the shofar and the preparations for the New Year festival were well under way. I know that in my own electorate there are many who are observing these holy days. I particularly acknowledge those marking Yamim Noraim at the two synagogues which most directly serve my electorate: North Shore Temple Emanuel in Chatswood and the Cremorne synagogue. Both lie just outside my electorate boundaries, but I know many of their members are constituents in North Sydney. These synagogues, like most, are founded on their communal strength. I've always greatly valued the hand of friendship which has been extended to me by both synagogues. To all their members and more broadly, Shana Tova, and may the year ahead be one of peace, success and happiness.