It's Happy New Yearas Rabbi pays a visit

Rabbi Chaim Jacobs paid his annual pre Rosh Hashona visit to East Renfrewshire Provost Jim Fletcher, and explained its true meaning.

Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days for Jewish communities as the community celebrate the Jewish New Year.

Starting on September 20, the celebration offers time for families to come together in celebration as well as being a time for personal reflection and prayer.

It doesn’t work quite the same way as Hogmanay, and is more than a one-day event, but does put a major emphasis on family togertheness and community.

East Renfrewshire has the highest Jewish population in Scotland with over 50 per cent of the community choosing to live in the area.

Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw said of the event: “Rosh Hashanah is a unique time for the Jewish community in Eastwood and across Scotland.

“As families come together in prayer and for the celebrations which are so much apart of Rosh Hashanah many will also be reflecting upon the year gone by and those who are sadly no longer with them.

“I want to extend my wishes for a blessed and peaceful Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur when it comes to all those who I am privileged to serve in our Scottish Parliament.”

East Renfrewshire MP, Paul Masterton said: “I was delighted to be able to invite two members of our East Renfrewshire community to Number 10 Downing Street for a Rosh Hashanah reception with the Prime Minister, the Chief Rabbi and many others.

“The Jewish community make a tremendous contribution to local life with the good work of organisations like Jewish Care Scotland and others being felt by many across East Renfrewshire.

“Shanah Tovah to you all!”