Why all the fuss in the Jewish community?
Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell
The festival of Rosh Hashanah–the name means “Head of the Year”–is observed for two days beginning on Tishrei 1, the first day of the Jewish year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of mankind’s role in G‑d’s world.
Rosh Hashanah thus emphasizes the special relationship between G‑d and humanity: our dependence upon G‑d as our creator and sustainer, and G‑d’s dependence upon us as the ones who make His presence known and felt in His world. Each year on Rosh Hashanah, “all inhabitants of the world pass before G‑d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court, “who shall live, and who shall die… who shall be impoverished, and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.” But this is also the day we proclaim G‑d King of the Universe.
The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which also represents the trumpet blast of a people’s coronation of their king. The cry of the shofar is also a call to repentance; for Rosh Hashanah is also the anniversary of man’s first sin and his repentance thereof, and serves as the first of the “Ten Days of Repentance” which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Altogether, we listen to 100 shofar blasts over the course of the Rosh Hashanah service.
Additional Rosh Hashanah observances include: a) Eating a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize our desire for a sweet year, and other special foods symbolic of the new year’s blessings. b) Blessing one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” c) Tashlich, a special prayer said near a body of water (an ocean, river, pond, etc.) in evocation of the verse, “And You shall cast their sins into the depths of the sea.” And as with every major Jewish holiday, after candlelighting and prayers we recite Kiddush and make a blessing on the Challah.
As believers in Messiah, we are covered by the blood of G-d’s most Holy Son, Yeshua (Jesus). Our salvation remains forever through His sacrifice on the cross. New covenant Faith is based upon the “Feasts of the L-rd” in Leviticus chapter 23 and we are reminded of it in Col. 2:16, 17Col 2:16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.,
They STILL testify of Messiah…He fulfills them all! Yet, we are commanded in Leviticus to observe these Feasts of the L-rd, they are intended as times “appointed by G-d” , times we are to set aside to spend with Him.
These last three Feasts of Adonai begin this Wednesday at sundown, Rosh Hashanah, September 28th, followed by Yom Kippur on October 7th at sundown and Sukkot on October 7th at sundown.
These Feasts are relevant now and should be observed by the Church.
The apostle Paul tells us to “Keep the Traditions” 1Cr 11:1,2 Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered [them] to you.
Rosh Hashanah points to Salvation
Yom Kippur points to Sanctification
Sukkot points to glorification
These three final feasts prepare us for Yeshua’s glorious return! (Let the Shofar Sound!)
There are so MANY pictures of Messiah in the feasts, just to many to point out in one email
I encourage you to Honor these appointed times of the L-rd. If you have an interest in learning more in detail about all the Feasts of Adonai and how they paint a beautiful picture of Salvation pointing to Messiah, please contact me by email.
L’Shanah Tovah Umetukah (Have a good and sweet year!)
May the L-rd grant you the desire of your heart, and may the desire of your heart be to learn of Him!
IN Yesuha (Jesus)
Rabbi Cliff
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