Foreign Secretary David Miliband has issued a special message for the High Holy Days. The wording is unusual: he speaks of "us" in his greeting, giving the clearest indication yet that he identifies with the Jewish community.
"These days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most sacred in the Jewish calendar. The entire Jewish people takes an honest look at the previous year, tries to make amends for any harm done, and reinforces the bonds of family and community that sit at the heart of its identity.
"It is right that at the dawn of the New Year, we also re-dedicate ourselves to the search for security and peace in the Middle East. All will share my hope that this year is the one that brings close the peace and security its peoples deserve.
"To the people of Israel, the Jewish community of Britain, and all the Jewish people, I wish us all Shana Tova U'Metuka."