“Today, Jewish people gather to reflect during the Day of Atonement. It’s a time to ask God for another year to live up to unmet potential.

“Finding reasons for joy is important in a difficult world. They give us strength to heal, grow and change. Judaism understands this truth, which is why the joyful holiday of Sukkot comes so quickly after Yom Kippur.

“I wish Alberta’s Jewish communities a powerful sense of joy on this most solemn of days. G’mar chatimah tovah.”