I would like to say “Shana Tova” to New Zealand’s Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, which concluded yesterday.
One of the most important High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah is a time to be with family and friends, to reflect on one’s actions over the past year and to plan for the year ahead.
Since the earliest days of European settlement – even before the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi – New Zealand’s small Jewish community have punched above their weight in the fields of arts, business, politics and culture. In 1873 Julius Vogel became New Zealand’s first Jewish Premiere. Emily Siedeberg was our first woman doctor, and Ethel Benjamin our first woman laywer. Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson (Auckland), Mr Ian Lawrence (Wellington) and Eve Poole (Invercargill) were much respected mayors of major centres.
In 2008, as Minister of Ethnic Affairs, I held a special Rosh Hashanah reception which bought together all of New Zealand’s traditional Jewish groups and Rabbis at our Parliament. Sadly, my expectation that this would become an annual tradition has not been fulfilled.
I hope, though, that the ceremony demonstrated the Labour Government’s commitment to fostering an environment in which all groups in our society are treated with equal worth and respect.
My best wishes to all of New Zealand’s Jewish community for a memorable celebration. Shana Tova!
