Bush conveys Yom Kippur message (Archive photo)
Photo: Reuters
President Bush's Yom Kippur message
George W. Bush and wife Laura send 'best wishes for blessed day,' say Yom Kippur teaches us that we merit forgiveness and mercy through repentance
U.S. President George W. Bush and his wife Laura have conveyed their best wishes to the Jewish people on this Yom Kippur.
In a statement released by the White House, Bush says "Yom Kippur is the Sabbath of Sabbaths, the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar. On this day, Jews around the world reflect on their lives and give thanks to God for their many blessings."
"The Rabbis teach that on Yom Kippur, God holds open the gates of Heaven and listens to every word of every prayer. As those final prayers are shared and the Shofar is sounded, God remembers every name - those living and those departed. In this moment, we draw near to God, sharing in the wonders of all creation and the miracle of all life."
Bush adds that "Yom Kippur teaches us that we merit forgiveness and mercy through repentance, prayer, and acts of charity.'
