“When each new year begins, the Jewish people hope it will be filled with the same sweetness as the apples and honey traditionally eaten on this day.

“The pandemic’s effects might seem to offer reasons for despair, but history has taught the Jewish people over generations that many years lack sweetness. These experiences do not diminish their trust in God or the renewed optimism with which they greet every year. Strength, patience and courage have seen them through hard times before and will again.

“I wish Jewish Albertans all the comforts and happiness of their faith, their cultures and their sense of community. Their ideals and compassion, shared so generously with everyone around them, will lift up our province as we recover and rebuild.

“L’shanah tovah!”