Festivals

The Day of Atonement – a Day to Deny Yourself

October 8, 2008

The Day of Atonement – a Day to Deny Yourself

As the sun sets today, October 8th, 2008, the world enters into the most holy day on the Hebrew calendar. Many Biblically minded people are aware of this fact, while many have no idea that this 9th day of October has any special significance whatsoever.

According to the Torah of Moses, in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus certain days were set aside by YHWH as appointments (moedim in Hebrew). These are called “holy convocations” and the “Festivals of the LORD”.

A growing number of Christians, seeking to return to their Hebrew Roots, are among the newest observers of these sacred times and seasons.

It is really quite remarkable what we are seeing in our day. I tend to believe that this increasing emphasis on “things Hebraic” is nothing less than an awakening – a move of the Holy Spirit.

We are in the 7th Biblical month, and beginning at sundown we enter the 10th day of the month – a day that is called the Day of Atonement or Day of Covering. This 10th day of the 7th month is referred to as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. It is a day to “deny yourself” – a phrase that is associated with fasting.

There are two main texts that deal with this day in the Torah.

Leviticus 16
Leviticus 23:26-32

Leviticus 16 describes the ceremonial events of this day as they were performed in Ancient Israel. The word Atonement occurs 14 times in this chapter alone. Interestingly, every aspect of the day is performed by either Aaron or a priest – an appointed man; that is, except for verses 29-31. There we read that the people are to “deny themselves and do no work”.

The phrase mention above “to deny yourself” occurs 5 times in Leviticus 16 and 23 (Lev. 16:29, 31; Lev. 23:27, 29, 32). The Hebrew word (aleph, nun, heh) is associated with the idea of affliction. The verb means, “to be bowed down, afflicted” according to Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon. It came to be associated with “afflicting one’s self”, i.e. by fasting (see for example Ezra 8:21-23).

Fasting has long been one method that God-Fearing people have used in their attempts to express sorrow, grief or humility towards God. This fasting was often accompanied by the wearing of sackcloth, the tearing of garments, or covering themselves in ashes.

In the book of Jonah – a book read in synagogues during this season, we read of the actions of the people of Nineveh. When they heard the message of impending doom brought to them by Jonah, the king of Nineveh “rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in ashes.” (Jonah 3:6) He then put forth a proclamation requiring everyone (including the animals!) to do the same. Everyone was to “Cry mightily” and to turn from the evil ways and from violence. The purpose of this “fast” was to appeal to God in hopes that he would relent from the decreed calamity. God obliged.

Many people have done similarly, refraining from food and drink and have afflicted themselves on the Day of Atonement.

It is interesting to note that Jonah 3:10 says that when God saw what they did, “how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he said he would bring upon them and he did not do it“. I think that this is important. God certainly saw all of the outward signs of “affliction” that the people put upon themselves. He saw the sackcloth and ashes and heard their wailing, but we should carefully note that what he “saw” that led to his “Change of Mind” was that they “turned from the evil ways”. This is the true definition of repentance. It really involves a “turning”. This is what God looks for. Too often “religious people” put on the show of religious life without ever truly turning to God. Isaiah quotes God as saying, “This people draws close to me with their mouth but their heart is far from me...” (29:13). What God is looking for is a humble and contrite person who trembles at His word (Isaiah 66:2).

So why does God forgive? The answer is found in the same story in Jonah. Jonah says that God is “a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing.” (Jonah 4:2) There it is! The very nature of God is that he does not desire to punish, but rather that people repent (see Ezekiel 33:10-20).

With this in mind, see Joel 2:12-14. Here we read the words of YHWH, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” Did you catch that? The same description for God as we saw in Jonah. God forgives when we repent, because this is His nature!

Fasting and self denial are an important part of this process of repentance, but the outward acts must not be the center of focus. We must rend our hearts and change our inside. As one so aptly put it; “first cleanse the inside of the cup so that the outside may become clean” (Matthew 23:26).

To practice “self-denial” and to focus on the needs of others is the key theme for a renewed walk with God.

My prayer is that you turn to God at this time. Keep the appointment!

When it comes to fasting in the proper way, I suggest that one read the following texts:

ESV Matthew 6:16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

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.”

Posted in Festivals

Sunday Shul – Yom Kippur

October 5, 2008

This week’s class is on the subject of Yom Kippur – commonly referred to as the Day of Atonement.

This is a season of Sactity. The seventh month is the Holiest of months, and the 10th day of the 7th month is the holiest day of the year. It is considered a Sabbath of Sabbaths; a time of repentance and acceptance, a season of teshuvah.

Ross looks at the two texts from the Torah that describe the activities of this day, and then focuses on one single element of this holy day – something that we are to do, an eternal statute.

Ross’ class is around the idea of “denying one’s self”. This single point is mentioned 5 times in the two torah passages (Leviticus 16 and 23). What does this mean and how can we apply this concept into our lives as a means of fulfilling the true intent of this day of Atonement.

Many will be fasting during the 24 hour day (evening of Tishri 9 until evening of Tishri 10). What is the true meaning of a fast that is acceptable to God?

Listen to this class and be prepared for the Day of Atonement.

Yom Kippur Play in Popup | Download

Posted in Festivals, Podcasts, Sunday Shul, Weekly Lessons

Succoth 08 – An Update

September 29, 2008

Succoth 08 with Roots of Faith and Arba4 – An Update

You shall live in booths for seven days….so that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am YHWH – Leviticus 23

Then all who survive of the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, YHWH of Hosts, and to keep the Festival of Booths – Zechariah 14

This wonderful Festival is a time of rejoicing; a time to reflect on God’s deliverances – past, present and future. Despite a hectic work schedule, surviving two hurricanes and the birth of my second grandson, I am pleased to finally send this update on our upcoming conference to be held in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. Last year we were much more organized, and I must take full responsibility for the lack of organization this year, but if you can get past that, I want to encourage you to come to Saint Francisville to spend this time with us. I am hopeful that some of you can make it for the entire Festival (October 14-22), or at the very least for the weekend conference (October 17-19).

This year we will have some incredible “formal lessons”, but my favorite part is always the time that we ALL spend together around the fire in the cool air talking about the Bible with like-minded people from all around the country. I look forward to meeting many new people as well as seeing some of my best friends.

I will publish a program of speakers as soon as I get topics from the speakers. Thus far, we have confirmation from the entire Arba4 team (http://www.arba4.com). ARBA4 is a web site that was organized to present multi-media teachings about the Bible, Judaism, Gentiles, Christianity, Non-Jews, Torah, Tanak, New Testament, Prophecy and Current Events. ARBA4.com currently features, Joseph & Debbie Good, Ross K Nichols and Dr. Walter Oakley. Their bios will be forthcoming in my next update.

Where to stay

Due partly to the storms and partly to other events in our small town, we were not able to secure a block of rooms at the one hotel in Saint Francisville at a special rate as we were able to do last year. I have heard from some that there are a few rooms available nonetheless. The hotel is a Quality Inn and the web site for the hotel is: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40411-d77835-Reviews-Quality_Inn_St_Francis_on_the_Lake-Saint_Francisville_Louisiana.html

John Carlson also spoke with the folks at the Plantation Inn recently and confirmed reservations for the whole place for the week of Oct 14 thru Oct 21 (13 cottages, 14 rooms). Here is the website to check the facilities and to get rate info; http://www.historicplantationvillage.com/flash/index.html

And the phone number to call for reservations is; 225-658-8808

The name of the place is the (Asphodel) Historic Plantation Inn and the owner’s name is Dwain.

If you intend on coming and wish to stay at the Asphodel Plantation Inn, you need to make your reservations as soon as possible as availability will be limited. I would also encourage you to check hotels in the surrounding areas: Zachary – about 20 miles from the campsite and the synagogue and even Baton Rouge – 35 miles from the campsite and the synagogue.

Plan on Camping?

For those that plan to camp out, we have confirmed our reservation with The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, Mary Ann Brown Preserve. This wonderful location is ideal for sleeping under the stars. Aside from the beautiful location, it is less than 7 miles from the Hotel and the synagogue. Perfect for those who wish to stay up late and study the Bible under the stars. There is no cost for camping. You will need to bring any camping supplies as this is a primitive site. If you do not own camping gear or are unable to pack it all on the trip, but want to camp out with us, let me know and we will work something out. Here is the link to the camp site:

http://www.where2guide.com/TouristTrail/outdoors/MBrownPreserve.html

You can check out last years Conference or sign up for Succoth 08 from my web site.

Another Option

This year we have one other option. Several people have written me and told me that for one reason or another they would not be able to attend. So I began to think about this. Here we are in 2008, living in a world of advanced technology. There is absolutely no reason that people have to be “here” to be a part of the festivities. Some cannot attend due to health reasons, and some simply do not have the funds to make the trip. I have made a point in calling Roots of Faith a synagogue without walls. We webcast our services and teachings live over the web every week (as do the other Arba4 teachers). Why wouldn’t we do the same with the Conference? Well, that is exactly what we intend to do!

I will be publishing a schedule of speakers and topics in plenty of time for you to set the time aside to listen to some great Bible Teaching and music. Don’t forget to register if you plan to attend and please send me a personal note if you plan to listen in and participate from your home. If you have not already done so, fill out the on-line registration to let us know that you will be with us so that we can work with you to make this a time of refreshing. http://rootsoffaith.org/succoth_registration_08.htm

Thanks for your patience and for your continued prayers and support as we strive to inspire people to live a more Biblically authentic lifestyle. Shalom from Saint Francisville, Ross Nichols

Posted in Festivals, Notes, Speaking Schedule

A Special Yom Teruah Bulletin

September 29, 2008

A Special Yom Teruah Bulletin

I wanted to take the time to send out a special note to my entire mailing list 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 YHWH”.

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 tomorrow, 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/holiday_dates.shtml

An Ancient Sermon delivered on Yom Teruah

The 8th chapter of Nehemiah contains a sermon that was preached on this very day nearly 2,467 years ago! It is there referred to as “a day Holy to YHWH”. The Torah has two main references to this Festival (Leviticus 23:23-25 and Numbers 29:1-6). The key word for this particular holy day is the Hebrew word Teruah. It is from the root “rua’” which means to “raise a shout” and is often associated with a battle cry. It can be associated with “making a loud noise” and one musical instrument that is commonly found making such noise is the ram’s horn “trumpet”, or shofar.

The shofar blast (the cry) is considered a warning and a call to repentance. A few passages that illustrate the use of the verb “rua’” are as follows: Psalm 47, Psalm 66:1; Psalm 81:2; Psalm 100:1, and Joshua 6:5.

This coming Sabbath is called Shabbat Shuvah – the Sabbath of Repentance. From the 1st day of the 7th month, we enter a 10-day countdown towards Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement. I would encourage all of you to examine yourself and seek to make mends. The gates of repentance are always open.

Sin is the transgression of the commandments. Yeshua said that all who do and teach the commandments will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:17-20). To begin to turn to the Creator and to His ways as laid forth in the Law and the Prophets is the beginning step on the path towards true repentance.

I pray that each of you will meditate on these things as we enter this Holy 7th month.

A Sunday Shul Lesson for Yom Teruah

This past Sunday in my weekly Sunday Shul class, I taught on this very subject of Yom Teruah. Beginning with a sermon that dates to approximately 458 B.C.E., I seek to illustrate the Biblical significance of the 1st day of the 7th month.

Weaving the upcoming Torah and Prophet reading for Sabbath Shuvah (The Sabbath of Repentance) with the ancient sermon, I attempt to point out a path for repentance found within the Torah.

This timely message should be “heard” and proclaimed as we enter into what Josephus calls the “Sacred Month”.

Go here to listen to my message on Yom Teruah.

http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2008/09/28/sunday-shul-yom-teruah.htm

Look for the new moon and realize that once it is spotted, we are in the “Day of the Awakening Blast.”

So as we enter this season – I pray that God will begin to open our eyes, ears and hearts to those incredible teachings that are to be lovingly inscribed upon the hearts of all who are part of what the prophet Jeremiah called the “New Covenant” – Jeremiah 31:31-34

Shalom as we anxiously await Yom Teruah – the Day of Shouting!

Ross

Posted in Festivals, Notes

Succoth 08

July 26, 2008

Tonight I am sitting in the synagogue flooded with thoughts and inspiration. When I left work today I began an extended vacation. My family and I are heading out of town this coming Tuesday for a week long camping trip. Everyone is excited. We plan to spend an entire week in tents next to a beautiful lake. Today as I was looking forward to this quiet time in a tent, far away from our normal hectic lives, I couldn’t help but think of the festival of booths – known in Hebrew as Succoth, also known as the festival of Tabernacles.

I love this festival, and despite the hot summer weather that we are experiencing here in southern Louisiana, I can almost smell a hint of fall in the air. For those that live here, I must say again that it is only a hint:)

This week according to the Annual Torah cycle reading (Mattote), the Prophet reading comes from the book of Jeremiah (1:1-2:3). Towards the end of the reading we find a tender word from God to Israel. He says, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest.”

This time in the wilderness, where God first took His bride to Himself is foretold to come again. God will once again allure His bride into the wilderness.

Every year, in the fall, on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Hebrew calendar, ancient Israel was charged to keep the Festival of Succoth for 7 days. The Prophet Zechariah speaks of this festival in a remarkable passage yet unfulfilled.

“Then all who survive of the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, YHWH of Hosts, and to keep the Festival of Booths (Succoth).”

This year, the Festival of Succoth is October 14-22. Roots of Faith will host its annual Festival / Conference in Saint Francisville. Last year we had a wonderful time of fellowship. I still have the page on my web site for those that are interested in reading about last year’s conference and festival. There are pictures, the program of speakers, etc on the following link – http://www.rootsoffaith.org/ROF_Succoth_2007.htm.
This year’s conference is still shaping up but I wanted to get this out so that you can begin to make plans. We have less than 3 months so you need to start planning if you have not already done so.

Many that came last year have already told me that they are coming back. If you have never experienced this time under the stars in fulfillment of this ancient festival, you do not know what you are missing! I want to encourage everyone to keep this festival – if not with us, then wherever you are on these dates.

Last year as we were preparing for Succoth, my friend and teacher, James Tabor wrote the following:

“I want to urge EVERYONE to consider this opportunity. In ancient times ALL Israel was summoned to the “place that YHVH would choose” for the three annual pilgrim festivals. In our modern day, with our many holidays and cultural patterns, not to mention our jobs and other obligations, we have completely lost a sense of the rhythm of the “times and seasons” of YHVH, these Biblically ordained “appointments” with YHVH and his people.

I think there is a process of restoration and it has been taking place for decades now in various church of God, messianic, and B’nai Noach groups around the world. David Horowitz and UIWU was probably the EARLIEST pioneer in these efforts, dating back to around the 1940s when Herbert Armstrong and others were discovering the “Jewish festivals,” and telling Christians and others drawn to Torah faith that they needed to turn from pagan religious holidays to remember the Sacred Seasons of YHVH.

Attending the Sukkoth gathering in St Francisville is a small beginning for our little group in this path of return. In ancient days the people of Israel saved tithes to be able to attend these feasts and the entire country/society took off and went to celebrate together. We are not there yet but there are steps we can take in that regard and living a few nights under the stars in a “tent” or Sukkah is surely one way to get things rolling again.”

This gathering in Saint Francisville is unique. There are plenty of other sites for people to go to during this festival. There are Succoth festivals and conferences for “messianics”, some for “orthodox Jews”, but this gathering is for anyone and everyone who seeks to find the good way among the ancient paths. I anticipate that there will be “Christians, Jews, B’nai Noach”, but I also think that there are many who no longer label themselves by any particular name, but simply adhere to a version of Hebraic faith, based primarily on the Hebrew Bible.

I am working on the program for the conference. Already, Joe Good of Hatikva Ministries has confirmed that he will be teaching.

One thing that I am planning this year is a very special musical program for our gathering. Many of you know that Roots of Faith has been blessed with some wonderfully talented people; Glenn and Rhonda Chatterton, John Carlson, and Sherry Cole. There are others out there that have written music and may want to join in this. Bring your instuments!

I truly hope that you will consider joining us this year. Here are some very preliminary details for those that may want to join us.

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Hotel Information

We will be meeting with the manager of our local hotel in town in the coming days to try and secure a special rate and will send an update on this as soon as possible for those that wish to sleep in a hotel rather than in a tent. Unlike last year, our plan is to hold all classes in the synagogue or at the camp site.

The website for the hotel is:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40411-d77835-Reviews-Quality_Inn_St_Francis_on_the_Lake-Saint_Francisville_Louisiana.html

Give us a little time before you reserve a room so that we can work with them for discounts.
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Camping information

For those that plan to camp out, we have made arrangements with The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, Mary Ann Brown Preserve. This wonderful location is ideal for sleeping under the stars. Aside from the beautiful location, it is less than 7 miles from the Hotel and the synagogue. Perfect for those who wish to stay up late and study the Bible under the stars and then head back to the Hotel to sleep.

The plan is to rent additional rooms at the hotel for showers. There is no cost for camping. You will need to bring any camping supplies as this is a primitive site. If you do not own camping gear, but want to camp out with us, let me know and we will work something out. Here is the link to the camp site:

http://www.where2guide.com/TouristTrail/outdoors/MBrownPreserve.html

In the next couple of weeks I will have an on-line registration form on my web site for you to fill out. We did this last year and it was very helpful. We are modifying it to include choices for dietary needs and some other points that we failed to include last year. We have tried to incorporate learnings from Succoth 2007 in order to make this year’s conference even better.

For now, I would love to hear from you if you even think that you might come. Send me a quick note just saying that you hope to be here. This will give me an idea of how many rooms to reserve, etc. Send a note to me at rndavar@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Start planning now. We are only 11 Weeks from the beginning of the Festival of Tabernacles.

Shalom to you from Roots of Faith and the synagogue without walls – a “place of meeting” for anyone who believe in the One God of Israel and seeks to live according to the principles of the Hebrew Bible.

Posted in Festivals, Notes