Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent a message of goodwill to the Jewish community at Rosh Hashanah.

He said: “As we approach Rosh Hashanah I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you a good and sweet year.

“My admiration for the British Jewish community is boundless and as you gather in homes and synagogues across the country, our thoughts are with you all and we pray for a year of peace and prosperity for all the world.

“As the shofar awakens you to reflect upon your lives, so too may it call on all of us to think about how we can be better servants of our communities. “

Showcasing his Hebrew skills, Mr Brown ended his message with “Ketiva ve-chatima tovah.” (May you be written in the Book of Life for a good year)

As the shofar awakens you to reflect upon your lives, so too may it call on all of us to think about how we can be better servants of our communities. Gordon Brown

Conservative leader David Cameron also sent greetings for the New Year.

He said: “I am delighted to send my warmest wishes on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah.

“The New Year is always a time both for thinking about – and being thankful for - events that have passed, and for anticipating the months ahead.  I hope it is a period of tranquillity and blessing for you and your families.

“In Britain today, those of all faiths and none can learn from the combination of reflection and celebration which occurs at Rosh Hashanah.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg added his voice to the Rosh Hashanah greetings from British leaders. He said: “I would like to wish you well for a happy, healthy and peaceful Rosh Hashanah and for the forthcoming year.

“I wish everyone in the Jewish community shanah tovah and a peaceful, successful and sweet new year.

“May the shofar mark the beginning of a festival of rest and reflection for Jews in Britain and around the world as they celebrate this festival with their friends and families.

“May this year be one in which Jewish communities throughout the world live in tranquillity without fear of anti-Semitism and may it be a prosperous and productive year for us all.

“I hope that the coming year will see progress towards peace between Israel and its neighbours.”