Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the occasion of Jewish New Year Rosh Hashana. On this occasion, PM Modi wished peace, prosperity and good health for Netanyahu and the people of Israel. In his congratulatory message on social media, PM Modi wrote the message in Hebrew, the ancient language of Judaism, and in English. Modi wrote, “My warm greetings to my friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the people of Israel on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I pray for peace, prosperity and good health for all the people of Israel. Shana Tova.”
Jewish New Year: What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and begins on the first day of the month of Tishri in the Jewish calendar, which usually falls in September or October. The festival marks the beginning of introspection, prayer, and a better future for Jews. It is also celebrated as the “Day of Creation”, as it is believed that God created the world on this day.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated for two days and is filled with religious and spiritual rituals. During this time, special prayers are offered and the shofar (a type of horn) is blown, which symbolizes self-awakening and spiritual purification. The day is an opportunity for Jews to introspect, reflect on the mistakes of the past year, and make new resolutions for the coming year.
During Rosh Hashanah people eat sweets, such as apples dipped in honey, as a symbol of wishing for a sweet and pleasant year. Also, people in the Jewish community wish each other New Year’s greetings, such as “Shana Tova,” which means “Have a good year.” Thus, Rosh Hashanah is an important festival in Jewish culture and religion, associated with new beginnings, self-purification, and wishing for a better future.
Iran fired more than 200 ballistic missiles at Israel
These good wishes have come at a time when Israel is struggling on three fronts. On Tuesday, Iran fired at least 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, forcing the country to fight on multiple fronts simultaneously. According to the Israeli military, many of the rockets were destroyed by their air defense system, but some missiles fell in central and southern parts of Israel. Civilians took shelter in bomb shelters during these attacks, and flashes of missiles were seen in the night sky.
However, Israel said the attacks caused only minor injuries, but one Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank died from falling shrapnel. Israel has promised to give a strong response to this attack. Amidst this tense situation, PM Modi’s good wishes indicate his support for peace and stability. India and Israel have strong diplomatic and strategic relations, and both countries have been cooperating in the areas of defence, agriculture and technology.
