Roots of Faith

Yom Teruah

I wanted to post a special note on my blog as we draw near to the beginning of the 7th month on the Biblical Calendar. This 7th month, is referred to by Josephus as the “Sacred Month”.

This is my favorite time of the year. The Bible refers to this season as the “turn of the year – Exodus 34:22″ and I always feel that this time leads us into a holy time – a time to reflect on our deeds and a time to “turn to our God” in repentance.

One thing that I constantly stress in my teachings is that people would do well to incorporate the “times and seasons” of the Bible into their personal faith. There is something incredible about being in sync with God’s appointed times (moedim). A careful study of Leviticus 23 is a good place to start. In the very first verse we learn that these are the “festivals of Yehovah”.

Jews have kept these festivals since they were given and have developed their own rich traditions around each of these. Christians are beginning to see the great value in studying them and incorporating them into their walk, often as a way to be more like Jesus (Yeshua). These moedim clearly have meaning for anyone that seeks to adopt the ways of the Creator.

Beginning at sundown tonight, according to the Jewish calendar, we enter this 7th month. This first day of the 7th month is known biblically as Yom Teruah, (a day of blasting, shouting), more commonly known as the Feast of Trumpets and traditionally as Rosh HaShana (or New Year’s day).

Anciently, the new month was determined based upon the sighting of the new moon (a thin crescent), while the modern Jewish calendar is determined by calculation. The subject of the Hebrew Calendar is a very interesting and hotly debated subject – but one that is quite rewarding. So whether you follow the Jewish calendar or prefer to spot the thin crescent moon in the sky with your own eyes, the day is fast approaching!

By the way, if you are interested in learning more about observing the New Moon – see for example the following site:

http://www.karaite-korner.org/

So, to my Jewish friends – happy New Year! I will be teaching on Yom Teruah this Sabbath from the historic Temple Sinai. Check it out live at 10:30 am central www.livestream.com/rootsoffaith

Comments are closed.