Rosh Hashanah 5781: A Reason to Celebrate

Rosh Hashanah 5781: A Reason to Celebrate

The High Holidays have now begun on God’s Calendar! As we begin the New Year 5781 and the Biblical feasts associated with this season, we wish you a Happy New Year, L’Shanah Tovah!

Of the feasts beginning at this time, God says, “These are My feasts” (Leviticus 23:2). The first of these feasts – The Feast of Trumpets – is better known as Rosh Hashanah. The traditional blowing of the shofar awakens the Jewish people and all who observe the holiday, to a serious contemplation of their own sinfulness, the call to live godly lives, and a powerful reminder that a sacrificial substitute was given by God in place of Abraham’s son. During this holiday, apples and honey are traditionally used to declare the blessing of a sweet and prosperous New Year.

The following ten days – The Days of Awe – are filled with good deeds and acts of reconciliation. This leads to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, which translates as the “Day of Covering” – and calls all Covenant People to fast and mourn for their sins. This was the one day when the High Priest would go behind the veil into the Holy of Holies, with the blood of a sacrificial substitute to be sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. This atonement “covered” the sins of the nation.

The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, taking place this year on October 4th, was specifically chosen by Christian Leaders to take place near Yom Kippur during the Fall Feasts, traditionally celebrated by Jewish people.

The final fall holiday is Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, an 8-day celebration. Jewish people rejoice because the 40 years of wandering in the desert – living in tents or tabernacles – ended as God brought them into the Promised Land.

Be encouraged today to stand with and spiritually walk through these meaningful feasts appointed by God through similar introspection, acts of reconciliation, and even by fasting on Yom Kippur as a Biblical way of identifying with our Jewish roots.

This is a special time on the calendar to unite together and to celebrate the abiding Presence of our God among His people! May His presence surround you and your loved ones in this season.

Recent Posts