Accident of timing as it was, the closeness of the Queen’s funeral to Rosh Hashanah nonetheless felt somehow appropriate.

While the Jewish High Holy Day marks only the passing and start of a single year, Monday’s events commemorated the passing of a life of 96 years and a reign of 70 — but also the start of a new era.

With the official mourning for Elizabeth now over, it is appropriate to look ahead to a new monarch.

And while it is unrealistic to imagine that the mood of national unity which was so notable in recent days will last, it is to be hoped that we can all learn from how good it felt, not least to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

In that sense there is a specific lesson for the Jewish community. All too often the background hum is one of division, either between different branches of Judaism or between individuals and groups. If we cannot strive now for a better sense of unity and understanding of each other, when will we?

Our community faces many problems — as does the country — but we will be able to face them with far greater spirit and hope if we at least try to come together.

Coming together is, of course, something we learned over the past two years not to take for granted. It is wonderful that charities have been able to resume real rather than virtual events such as the annual dinners held recently by the likes of Jewish Care and the Holocaust Educational Trust.

And most importantly of all, this Rosh Hashanah almost all of us will again be able to meet, whether in synagogue or with our families.

We remember those we lost during the pandemic. But we also celebrate and give thanks what we have now, as we say once again: Shana Tova.