New York, NY – Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which began at sundown on Sunday, September 16th and ends at tonight at sundown:

"I am happy to once again join my friends in the annual celebration of Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish New Year. This special holiday commemorates the start of a new year for my Jewish friends while offering them a time to reaffirm their faith. The calls to prayer and the sound of the shofar ringing through the halls of synagogues around the City during this period should remind us of the religious freedom and practice that we enjoy in our great country.

I send my warmest holiday greetings to the wonderful Jewish institutions in New York's 15th Congressional District, all of which I have had the pleasure to work closely with. These include: the Jewish Theological Seminary, Touro College, Yeshiva University, the Met Council of Jewish Poverty, the American Jewish Committee, and the Jewish Community Relations Council. I also extend my sincerest good wishes to Rabbi Arthur Schneier and all of the prominent leaders of nearly 30 synagogues in our community.

My Colleagues in Congress and I will continue to support Israel and the vision of a Jewish homeland. As we always have, let us work together towards a better future for all. I wish you all a blessed "l'shana tova- "A good and sweet new year" for all.