Celebrating the Hebrew year 5771, Rosh Hashanah officially begins at sundown on Wednesday. This year's observances come as the United States has helped usher in a new round of Middle East peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
"At a time when Israelis and Palestinians have returned to direct dialog, it is up to us to encourage and support those who are willing to move beyond their differences and work toward security and peace in the holy land," Obama said.
The president, however, acknowledged that peace negotiations between the two parties would be difficult when talks resume next week in Sharm el-Sheikh.
"Progress will not come easy, it will not come quick," Obama said. "But today we had an opportunity to move forward, toward the goal we share -- two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."





