Today and tomorrow, CFA’s Jewish and Muslim members celebrate the beginning of their respective New Years.
While many of us are familiar with significant dates of Christian origin, which follows the gregorian calendar, other faiths use the lunar calendar to mark dates of significance.
Our Jewish members and those within our community will celebrate ‘Rosh Hashanah’ from Wednesday evening through to Friday; while our Muslim members and communities will celebrate ‘Muharram’ from Thursday evening to Friday.
CFA Inverloch’s Menachem Same
“Being a part of CFA has instilled in me a great sense of community and mateship. In my short time in training I’ve seen first-hand how well our brigades keep Victoria safe.
“As a Jew I believe very strongly in community. On the Jewish New Year we reflect on the previous year and look forward to the year ahead - it’s more than just a spiritual event - Rosh Hashana allows us to reflect on ourselves and as a community,” said Menachem.
CFA Craigieburn’s Baker Dawas
“For CFA to recognise the Muslim New Year and Muharram shows they welcome and valued not only as a firefighter but as a member of the community we keep safe.
“Muharram is the second holiest month in the Islamic calendar, it’s quite significant for our culture, and we mark the start of the occasion by going to the mosque with friends and family. Like the western New Year, it’s a time where we wish for happiness, harmony and look forward to and prosperous year.”
CFA’s Angela Cook Community Development Coordinator
“It means a lot to my mother that we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, to remind me, my siblings and my children of our cultural heritage.
“This year we welcome in the year 5778. Our family will celebrate by eating a meal together, which involves apples and honey to have a sweet New Year. I like the focus on reflection during Rosh Hashanah, given our lives are so often busy we don’t make time to reflect
“As Victoria grows as, it’s important to be inclusive and welcoming of all faiths and cultures. I am proud to see CFA celebrate with the Jewish community,” said Angela.
CFA’s Multicultural Liaison Officer Nada El Masri.
“My role is to help educate our organisation on how culture and faith plays into how we communicate with our increasingly diverse communities. For CFA to mark this occasion shows we’re proud of these communities and welcome all nationalities and faiths.
“For me and my household, the day is marked with a fast from sunrise to sunset; this is a personal challenge that needs preparation. Muharram is an occasion acknowledged through prayer for the new lunar month, those who have passed and those who live on and peaceful New Year for all,” said Nada
To those in our Jewish community, CFA wishes you ‘G’mar Chasimah Tovah’ and a blessed and sweet new year!
To those in our Muslim community, CFA wishes you ‘Sunat jadidat Saeida’ - may your new year be filled with happiness and joy.
Author: CFA News