The Jewish New Year is approaching. I will venture to say that most Christ-followers have no idea what this is or why it should be significant. In Leviticus chapter 23 God is giving to Moses and the Children of Israel instructions regarding the holy days. (God to Moses): “Go, talk to the Israelites. Tell them that I have appointed certain feasts to be celebrated. You are to honor these times and declare them as sacred assemblies (vs. 1,2) …tell them to observe a day of Sabbath rest in the autumn on the first day of the seventh month. Commemorate this day and call together a sacred assembly by sounding the trumpets…” (vs. 24).
The Jewish New Year is not the same as how the rest of the world celebrates the January 1st New Year, with parties and revelry. The time between Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement are called the Days of Awe. Rosh Hashanah is a festive time of remembrance, a day of judgement, a coronation day and the birthday of the world, all wrapped into one feast.
To break it down and hopefully make this easier to understand, here is a short description of what each of the descriptors represent.
Remembrance – to remember Abraham and his absolute trust that God would provide as he was willing to offer his son, Isaac as a sacrifice. Remembering that God remembered the prayers of Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel.
Day of Judgement – In Jewish tradition God determines the fate of people for the coming year. The greeting on this feast day is, ‘L-shana Tovah’ may you have a sweet year, and may your name be inscribed in the Book of Life for another year (Talmud Rosh Hashanah).
Coronation Day – This is the first day of the civic calendar, the head of the year. This is a symbol of the Kingship of God and His royalty.
Birthday of the World – Jewish tradition says that this was the day that God created the world.
The shofar is also significant as it is blown many times on this day. That’s why it is also called the Feast of Trumpets. Trumpets were used to call the people to assemble, announce festivals, and in signaling war. Trumpet blowing will happen at the end of days. The Apostle John in his Revelation states, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day (the first day of the week), and I heard a voice behind me. It sounded like the blast of a trumpet.”
I love sharing the feasts and special days with family and friends. In this new season in our lives, we are making new friends by inviting them to share with us as we celebrate. Celebrations are so much more special when they are shared! Holidays alone are just not the same! You know this is a biblical concept as well! We are designed to be in fellowship with others. The Hebrew word for community is ‘kehillah’. Another Hebrew word, ‘levad’ or ‘levado’ means ‘alone’ or ‘by oneself’. God saw that Adam was alone and needed someone to be with. All the other animals had a mate. God saw the need for Adam to have a mate. He needed companionship and connection. We also need the connection of community. This is why I love sharing in community the feasts that I have come to love. It is also a way to teach others how God has made himself known to all people through his word and the celebrations that he commanded us to remember. We were created with 5 senses, and they all play a part in the celebrations! We taste wonderful foods, we smell and savor the spices, we hear the sound of the trumpet, we see the beauty of God’s creation all around us, we touch others through our relationships.
As the fall holy days approach followers of Jesus Messiah should recognize the significance and symbolic nature of the days. I challenge you to take a few moments on this day, Rosh Hashanah, to acknowledge the promises of God, to be thankful for His creation, for His plan of salvation, and pray for His coming soon to reign in glory!
Enjoy the sweetness of God’s goodness with apples and honey. “O taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34: 8).
L’Shana Tova! Shalom!
Dawn S Gilmore, DWS
Visit my website for more at: www.Dawnsgilmore.com
P.S. With the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7 approaching please continue to pray for Israel and all who have been affected by war. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122) and pray for those who are ministering to the spiritual needs of Jews and Arabs who are seeking their Messiah. Consider what you can do to help the war effort. Any amount helps families that are still displaced because of the war on many fronts in Israel. Thank you for loving and giving generously!
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