GEORGE NEWS - As Jews welcome Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year (celebrated this year from 20 to 22 September), they look forward to more unity between peoples and better lives for all the world's citizens, and want to nurture and celebrate their connections with others rather than despise them because of differences.

Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, spiritual leader of the African Jewish Congress, gives this message to those who take part in the celebrations:

"In our multicultural society we encounter the beliefs, traditions and practices of many diverse faiths and cultures. Each of us strives to carve out a destiny true to our own particular tradition. At the same time, each one of us is an integral part of our shared society. There is an increased tendency for people to define themselves according to the differences between them and others. It is important for each of us to have our own particular identity and to have pride in who we are but, at the same time, we must nurture our connections with others and discover unity in diversity. As radical extremism sweeps through our fragile world, we need to emphasise the values and aspirations which bind us together. Empathy is a key component of a moral society and cultural differences bring a collective strength that benefits all of humanity. Martin Luther King Jr said, "We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers." Close to three thousand years ago, the book of Psalms put it this way: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity." Rosh Hashanah celebrates the birth of the universe. Jewish communities will come together in festive spirit with song and devotion. At the heart of their prayers they will cry out to the Almighty, "Remember all nations for life and for good," thus emphasising their concern for all mankind. May the coming twelve months produce a better life for all of us. Shana Tova!"