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“On the tenth day of the seventh month is Yom Kippur – a Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26).” According to the Bible, this tenth day of the seventh month, which begins on the evening of the ninth and lasts until the evening of tenth, shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest on which we should “afflict” ourselves (Leviticus 23:32). This day is considered the most holy day on the ancient Hebrew calendar – a Holy of Holies! But what should we do on this day to set it apart? What does it mean when it says to afflict our souls?

The primary texts that concern this holy day are found in the Torah (Leviticus 16 and Leviticus 23:26-32). Leviticus 16 contains an ancient ceremony performed by Israel’s High Priest. The central theme of the ceremony and of the day is “atonement”. “For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the YHVH from all your sins. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you and you shall afflict yourselves; it is a statute forever (Leviticus 16:30-31).”

The word “atonement” is a translation of a Hebrew word that comes from a root composed of the letters (Kaph, Peh, Resh). The word “atonement” occurs 14 times in Leviticus 16 alone. The basic meaning of this word is “to cover”. So this is literally a day of covering. What is it that is being covered on this day? The covering associated with Yom Kippur refers to the sins of the people. The ceremonies that brought about this “covering” involved two identical goats; one that was killed and one that was led away into the wilderness l’azazel (often translated as the “scapegoat”).

The detailed rituals and sacrifices described in the Torah for Yom Kippur were principally carried out by Aaron, but there remains a point that was then and is now to be performed by all – citizens as well as the alien residing with you (Leviticus 16:29 and Leviticus 23:30) – to “afflict” the soul. The Hebrew here is anah (aleph, nun, heh – ana’) and means, “to be bowed down, afflicted” according to Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon.

Some translations render this as “deny yourself”. The word occurs twice in Leviticus 16 and three times in Leviticus 23 (Leviticus 16:29, 31; 23:27, 29, 32). This means that this word occurs five times in the two passages that deal with Yom Kippur.

Given this information, a key theme that emerges at this time is “self-denial”. In the Bible, this word is associated with what we would call “fasting”. Examples are found in Ezra 8:21-23 and Psalm 35:11-14.

During this time of year we should be focused on returning to God through repentance. If we are to effect a change in our walk, we must turn to God and His ways with all of our heart and soul. This repentance can include fasting and mourning as we read in several passages, but it is not merely the participation in a fast or in the refraining of certain activities that will put one in right standing with God. The heart has to be right! I would encourage you all to read Isaiah 57:14 – 58:14. A careful reading of this passage indicates that a true fast involves a focus on the needs of others as well as a denial of self. When we learn to place the needs of others above our own needs, we will begin to walk in the ways of righteousness.

ESV Isaiah 57:14 And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made. 17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 19 creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” 58:1 “Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. 4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. 13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; 14 then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Beginning at sundown this evening, traditional Jews begin their fast for Yom Kippur. Karaites begin the fast on Sunday evening. Whatever day you celebrate the fast, consider well the true meaning of anah. The ceremonial aspects of the day are not currently practiced, but the heart of the matter is still required. Remember that this is an eternal statute! We can still perform the weightier portion of this day. Deny yourself! Afflict your soul! If we return to HaShem, He will return to us. May your sins be forgiven! May they be cast into the depths of the sea! “For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the LORD from all your sins. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you and you shall afflict yourselves; it is a statute forever (Leviticus 16:30-31).”

Attribution: “Image courtesy of FreeBibleIllustrations.com“

The book of Maccabees records that “many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Very great wrath came upon Israel.” In the midst of these trying times a priestly family rose to the occasion. From a garrison in Modein, a man named Mattathias and his five sons mourned over the situation. They were approached by the officers of Antiochus with an offer of riches for violating the covenant of their fathers. Not only did they refuse to profane the covenant of their fathers, but they led a rebellion that ultimately defeated the armies of insolence.

Three years to the day that the altar was defiled, the altar was re-dedicated. It was then determined that every year on this date that for eight days, beginning on the 25th of the 9th month a time of joy and gladness should be observed. Since that time, the re-dedication of the altar has been commemorated in the eight-day festival known as Hanukkah.

In our own day, during this season, we should make an extra effort to stand for the holy covenant and to stand against pagan practices and those influences that oppose the Torah. Around the world, Torah oriented people will be kindling the lights in keeping with the tradition of Hanukkah. I pray that you have a blessed season of renewal to the covenant – a re-dedication of your life to the Torah. It should also be pointed out that today marks the ONLY date on the Hebrew calendar that is specifically attached to a blessing. The promised blessing is found in the prophetic book known as Haggai (2:10-23). There we read the following words; “From this day on I will bless you.”

You are invited to join the congregation of Roots of Faith for a Hanukkah party at Temple Sinai. We would love to see you in person, but you are also welcome to attend via the internet (www.rootsoffaith.org/streaming-video).

I pray a special blessing on all who read these words, and as always – thanks for your continued interest in Roots of Faith. Shalom!

The entire Torah community is now in the 7th month of the Biblical year – a time referred to by the First Century Jewish Historian Josephus as the “Sacred Month”. We begin this month with the sounding of the shofar (Ram’s Horn Trumpet), which is followed by Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), and finally the seven day Festival of Booths (Succoth). For the last several years, Roots of Faith has held its Annual Bible Conference during the ancient Biblical Festival of Succoth (Booths).

I wanted to send this update to my entire mailing list today to update you all on the exciting upcoming Annual Conference and Campout to be held here in less than 2 weeks.

This year we are anticipating the largest turnout ever. So far, based upon registrations, it looks like we might have nearly 100 in attendance and many of these will be camping together for the entire week. It is not too late to sign up, but the sooner you do, the better it will be. We use this information to help us better plan. Click here to fill out our on-line registration.

We also have a site set up with information on the Festival and Camp site. I encourage you to check it out.

I am very pleased with the program for this year’s conference. I have uploaded the program as a pdf so that you can print a copy out on my Synagogue Without Walls site. Here is a list of the speakers and their topics.

James D. Tabor – The Five Fundamental Flaws of Christianity
Debbie Good – Healing and Restoration
Walter Oakley – Back to the Future & a Taste of Hebrew
Web Hulon – Moledet vs. Mishpakha – the Building Blocks of Yisrael
Joseph Good – The Ceremonies of Succoth & Pirket Avoth – the Beauty of Judaism in the Sayings of the Fathers
Ross Nichols – The Weightier Matters of the Torah – Torah Faith from the Inside Out
I will also lead a Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah) service

There will be plenty of time to share at the campsite each evening. There will be singing and dancing and much, much more! Some of the best times during these conferences are sitting around the fire and listening to the discussions that are carried on between newly made friends.

Whether you are able to join us or not, I would ask that you consider contributing to the costs of the conference. As always, we provide all teachings at no charge, but this year the costs are more than I can do alone. The campsite is beautiful, but does not have adequate facilities for the number of attendees. I had to rent portable showers and toilets to accommodate the crowd that we are expecting. This alone will cost nearly $2,000! I would greatly appreciate your help in making this a wonderful Festival for everyone in attendance. No amount is too small as I know that people all have different circumstances. I am only appealing to those who have the means to contribute without putting themselves in a tough place financially. If you would like to contribute and are able to do so, there are a couple of ways. One is to mail a check or money order to:

Roots of Faith
P.O. Box 695
Saint Francisville, La. 70775

or you can contribute on line here.

We will webcast the conference live from the Synagogue as we do all of our teachings. As we get closer I will send out a special update that includes all of the information on how to join in from afar via the Internet.

Please take the time to check our Synagogue Without Walls if you have not done so. This site is an attempt to create a social network – A place of meeting for anyone that believes in the one God of Israel and seeks to live according to the principles of the Hebrew Bible. It now has nearly 300 members from around the world. It is truly turning into an amazing place of learning and fellowship. There you can set up your own page where you can add photos and comments, you can publish on our forum, create your own blog entries, join one of our exciting and informative groups or set up one of your own (with my approval of course:). It is like the popular social networking sites My Space and Facebook, except it is geared towards and developed for people like you who are interested in better understanding and applying the Hebraic Faith in your own life.

I am very excited about meeting many of you face to face in the coming days!

As always, I appreciate your continued interest in Roots of Faith and the Synagogue Without Walls!