U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday issued a video greeting to the Jewish people in honor of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

“As the high holy days begin, it’s a chance not just to celebrate with family and friends, but to ask some of life’s most piercing questions,” said Obama. “Am I treating strangers with kindness? Am I living not just for myself but for others? Am I doing my part to repair the world? Where we fall short, the new year is a new opportunity to get things right.”

“I was proud to visit Israel earlier this year to renew the unbreakable bond between our two countries and to talk directly to young Israelis about the future we share,” he said. “Just like the generations that came before us, we live in challenging times, but I know that if we work together we can make this moment one of hope for all our neighbors: In America, in Israel and around the world.”