New York magazine aside, Obama is far from the first president to offer a Rosh Hashanah greeting. While Obama’s holiday note does seem to have eye on the upcoming elections, most presidential statements on the holiday seem to stear clear of explicit politics and mentions of Israel. Here was George Bush’s in the year 5764 (aka 2003):

I send greetings to those observing Rosh Hashanah. For the Jewish community in the United States and around the world, this holiday marks the beginning of the New Year and the onset of the Days of Awe. Rosh Hashanah is a time to seek the mercy and forgiveness of the Almighty and your fellow man, to reflect on past actions, and to demonstrate renewed commitment to faith and family. May you find inspiration for the days ahead as you remember the devotion of Abraham and Isaac and their willingness to sacrifice everything to do right. During this holy time, I encourage you to pray for peace and mutual understanding throughout the world. May we build a future of promise and compassion for all, and may the coming year be filled with hope and happiness.

Appropriately for once, it sounded downright biblical.

The LA Times have gathered other presidential messages on Rosh Hashanah. My favorite is Herbert Hoover’s, mainly for its total old schoolness: