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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. (Reuters)
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Last update - 00:00 19/09/2008
Obama wishes happy Rosh Hashanah to 900 rabbis
By Natasha Mozgovaya, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: Jewish World, Rosh Hashanah 

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama held a conference call on Wednesday with more than 900 rabbis to extend greetings to them and their congregants ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins at sunset on Sept. 29.

Obama told the rabbis that the Jewish New Year themes of renewal and rededication to improving our world resonate with him, as they echo the themes he has emphasized in his life and during his campaign.

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I extend my New Year's greetings to you and to your congregations and communities," Obama told the rabbis. "The Jewish New Year is unlike the new years of any other cultures, in part because it's not simply a time for revelry; it's a time for what might be called determined rejoicing - a time to put your affairs with other people in order so you can honestly turn to God, a time to recommit to the serious work of tikkun olam - of mending the world."

To further strengthen his ties with the U.S. Jewish community, Obama last month announced the appointment of a senior policy adviser on Middle East issues and Jewish outreach coordinator.

Speaking to the rabbis on Wednesday, Obama reiterated his support for a close relationship between the United States and Israel. It's important "to recognize that throughout my career in the State Legislature and now in the U.S. Senate, I have been a stalwart friend of Israel," said Obama. "On every single issue related to Israel's security, I have been unwavering, and will continue to be unwavering."

"My belief is that Israel's security is sacrosanct and we have to ensure that as the sole democracy in the Middle East, one of our greatest allies in the world, one that shares a special relationship with us and shares our values, we have to make sure that they have the support whether its financial or military to sustain their security and the hostile environment," the presidential hopeful added.

Obama also touched on the significance of the Shofar, the ram's horn sounded on Rosh Hashanah. "I like to think that they are sounding that Shofar and to rouse this nation out of its slumber and to compel us to confront our challenges and ensure a better path," he said. "It's a call to action. So as this New Year dawns, I am optimistic about our ability to overcome the challenges we face and the opportunity that we can bring the change we need not only to our nation but also to the world."

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      1.   Obama greets the New Year 03:03  |  Patrick Warner 19/09/08
      2.   Calling all rabbis 03:04  |  Arie 19/09/08
      3.   Thank you, Mr. Obama. 03:25  |  Fortuna Benmayor 19/09/08
      4.   Obama 04:35  |  Susie Gabay 19/09/08
      5.   ?REVELRY? 06:01  |  Solomon the Wise 19/09/08
      6.   Give`m a Break it`s His First "Shana Tova !" Greeting 07:26  |  dp 19/09/08
      7.   Obama is also willing 07:48  |  * BEN JABO 19/09/08
      8.   Warning: "non-belligerent and non-militaristic Israel." -Obama 08:20  |  dp 19/09/08
      9.   There you go - no more doubting his intentions 08:28  |  Steve the Pals. 19/09/08
      10.   He Is Either Genuine Or A Fraud....Who Knows 08:31  |  Eli 19/09/08
      11.   Sunday pick-up game 08:49  |  allang 19/09/08
      12.   Speaking about frauds: Palin lied on bridge to nowhere 11:36  |  Mark B. 19/09/08
      13.   dp, Stephen Harper, the Canadian PM, pull the same shtick 11:37  |  Zev Davis 19/09/08
      14.   To Solomon the not-so-wise 11:54  |  re-reader 19/09/08
      15.   900 rabbis...!! Wow, how did Obama get-a-word-in...?! 12:57  |  Esther 19/09/08
      16.   BFD 16:15  |  Nechama 19/09/08
      17.   Obama for Israel P.M. 16:44  |  Helm of Chelm 19/09/08
      18.   And he made sure to undermine the Stop-Iran Rally 18:31  |  A. 19/09/08
      19.   Don`t concern yourselves with Obummer 23:05  |  * BEN JABO 19/09/08
      20.   OBAMA SENDS BEST WISHES TO YOUR FACES AND IF HE`S ELECTED HE WILL 09:43  |  glenna 21/09/08
      21.   "one of our greatest allies in the world" 18:18  |  Rob of melbourne 21/09/08
      22.   OBAMA IS AN ENEMY OF ISRAEL 19:25  |  Jonathan Davis 21/09/08
      23.   OBAMA IS A PHONY 20:56  |  Baruch 21/09/08
      24.   Obama was against Israel (before he was for her) 21:48  |  JM 21/09/08
      25.   no. 15 22:10  |  pragmatic expediency 21/09/08
      26.   Gracias Obama 00:20  |  Yosemite 22/09/08
      27.   Obama 13:50  |  RW 22/09/08
      28.   #26, Yosemite 21:15  |  Happy Birthday!!! 22/09/08
      29.   #25 pragmatic expediency 00:38  |  * BEN JABO 23/09/08
      30.   And this is meaningful, why? 03:00  |  Joel Rubinstein 23/09/08
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