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Fall Holidays
Rosh Hashanah begins the Jewish Days of Awe (Yomim Noroim). Rosh
means "head" and Hashanah means "the year." This celebration occurs
at the beginning of the month of Tishri which is the 7th month of the
Jewish calender. On the Gregorian calendar it would fall in the time
span of September to October.
Other terms used to describe this holiday are Yom hazikkaron (the Day
of remembering, and Yom Tervah (sounding the Shofar).
This New Year is not celebrated like other cultures with parties and
revelry, but is celebrated with soberness and reflection. Many Jews
believe the Book of Life is opened on Rosh Hashanah and on Yom
Kippur our fate, for our deeds in life are sealed.
In services Kingship and remembrance are taught. We are reminded
that G-d is creator and judge and is in covenant relationship with us.
We look for the blessed hope of the Deliverer our Messiah. When we
hear the sound of the shofar, a ram's horn, we think of the great
trumpet blast that will usher in the Messiah.
After the Days of Awe, Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement is
celebrated. It is a fast day so no food or drink is allowed from sundown
on the night prior to the festival called Erev Yom Kippur until sundown
the following evening. Other prohibitions include: no bathing, no
anointing the body with oil, no sexual intimacy and no wearing of
leather shoes.
During the Days of Awe sometimes referred to as the days of
penitence, observant Jews go to one another seeking forgiveness.
These days are filled with reflection and solemnity. The Scripture tell
us of the need for a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Being broken
before G-d is more than humility.
The greeting offered to one another during the holiday is l'shanah tovah
tikohtavu, which means, "may you be inscribed for a good year."
The services of Yom Kippur are important and beautiful. Services are
lengthy and filled with prayer, worship and fellowship. The spirit of
repentance is felt in the synagogue. Repentance must be horizontal
first before it can be vertical. We must first make peace with our
fellow man before we can satisfy G-d's requirements and find peace
with Him. On Erev Yom Kippor the Kol Nidrei is chanted. This prayer
annuls all unresolved vows made during the year. It is a protection
against rash oaths made that cannot be or should not be fulfilled.
G-d wants more than religious formality. Yeshua paid the price to
atone for our sins. Fasting and praying without sacrifice are not
enough. Both Jews and non-Jews need forgiveness which can be found
in our Jewish Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach. G-d wants us to do
mitzuoth which are good deeds. He wants us to set the captives free,
feed the hungry and live in the service of compassion!
means "head" and Hashanah means "the year." This celebration occurs
at the beginning of the month of Tishri which is the 7th month of the
Jewish calender. On the Gregorian calendar it would fall in the time
span of September to October.
Other terms used to describe this holiday are Yom hazikkaron (the Day
of remembering, and Yom Tervah (sounding the Shofar).
This New Year is not celebrated like other cultures with parties and
revelry, but is celebrated with soberness and reflection. Many Jews
believe the Book of Life is opened on Rosh Hashanah and on Yom
Kippur our fate, for our deeds in life are sealed.
In services Kingship and remembrance are taught. We are reminded
that G-d is creator and judge and is in covenant relationship with us.
We look for the blessed hope of the Deliverer our Messiah. When we
hear the sound of the shofar, a ram's horn, we think of the great
trumpet blast that will usher in the Messiah.
After the Days of Awe, Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement is
celebrated. It is a fast day so no food or drink is allowed from sundown
on the night prior to the festival called Erev Yom Kippur until sundown
the following evening. Other prohibitions include: no bathing, no
anointing the body with oil, no sexual intimacy and no wearing of
leather shoes.
During the Days of Awe sometimes referred to as the days of
penitence, observant Jews go to one another seeking forgiveness.
These days are filled with reflection and solemnity. The Scripture tell
us of the need for a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Being broken
before G-d is more than humility.
The greeting offered to one another during the holiday is l'shanah tovah
tikohtavu, which means, "may you be inscribed for a good year."
The services of Yom Kippur are important and beautiful. Services are
lengthy and filled with prayer, worship and fellowship. The spirit of
repentance is felt in the synagogue. Repentance must be horizontal
first before it can be vertical. We must first make peace with our
fellow man before we can satisfy G-d's requirements and find peace
with Him. On Erev Yom Kippor the Kol Nidrei is chanted. This prayer
annuls all unresolved vows made during the year. It is a protection
against rash oaths made that cannot be or should not be fulfilled.
G-d wants more than religious formality. Yeshua paid the price to
atone for our sins. Fasting and praying without sacrifice are not
enough. Both Jews and non-Jews need forgiveness which can be found
in our Jewish Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach. G-d wants us to do
mitzuoth which are good deeds. He wants us to set the captives free,
feed the hungry and live in the service of compassion!
| Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. © Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007 |