Happy New Year To My Jewish Friends!

[Gary Freedman]

President Obama recorded a greeting to Jews around the world who will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, beginning at sundown Friday. "L'shana tova, tikatevu," Obama said, speaking in Hebrew. "May you have a good year, and may you be inscribed for blessings in the book of life."

Obama talks about the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and why during this time of year all people should work to "heal old divisions, seek new understandings and come together to build a better world for our children and grandchildren."

He also uses the opportunity to push for the peace process in Israel and why during the holidays, "We dedicate ourselves to the work of repairing this world."

Check out President Obama's Rosh Hashana greeting! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzDRAZDR3ps

[Gary Freedman]

Apparently Rahm Emmanuel and David Axelrod did not inform President Obama that most American Jews are Ashkenazic -- not Sephardic. A problem in communications at the White House, no doubt!

[Gary Freedman]

"Speaking in Hebrew" with a Sephardic accent, no less!

In all Jewish languages, it is logical that words relating to Jewish celebrations, 'bride' and 'groom' for example, are likely to come from Hebrew, but the pronunciations differ. Whereas the Ashkenazim (typically speakers of the Yiddish language) refer to the Sabbath as “Shabes,” the Sephardim (typically speakers of the Ladino language) say “Shabat.” Speakers of Judeo-Italian, however, say “Shabad” or “Shabadde.” The word for prayer shawl in Yiddish is “talis,” while in Ladino it’s “talit.” Speakers of Judeo-Italian, however, call it “un taledde.”