The Jewish calendar marks Rosh Hashana 5771 (New Year) Sept. 9-10; Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sept. 18; and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Sept. 23-Sept. 29.
In his message, the Pontiff expressed to Di Segni and to all the Jewish community of Rome 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.»
Benedict XVI added the hope that «the will grow in us to promote justice and peace, so needed by the world today.»
The Holy Father said he remembered the visit he made to the Synagogue of Rome last Jan. 17 «with feelings of gratitude and affection.»
The Pontiff ended by expressing that «God, in his goodness, may protect the whole community and grant us to grow, in Rome and in the world, in mutual friendship.»
