Rosh HaShanah

The biblical holiday originated as the "memorial of the blowing of trumpets" (Lev. 23:23-25), a holy gathering. Today we observe it as the civil New Year. Rosh HaShanah is frequently called the Day of Remembrance or the Day of Judgement in view of its inauguration of the days of awe.

Since Rosh HaShanah originated as the memorial of blowing of trumpets, the shofar plays an important role. Among other things it symbolizes, according to the rabbis, G-d's kingship and the coming of the Messianic Age.

Rosh HaShanah has deep Messianic significance. In describing Yeshua's second coming, Rav Shaul said "The trumpet (shofar) will sound; the Messiah will come, and the dead will rise." (1 Thes. 4:16-18)

Yom Kippur

The Bible (Lev. 23:26-32) describes this day (the Day of Atonement) as the most solemn, a time of introspection and repentence. On this day atonement was made for the whole nation. (According to the most up-to-date studies, atonement, in Hebrew KIPPUR, means "ransom by means of a substitute.")

Messianic significance abounds. Rav Shaul writes of a time in the future when all Israel will be redeemed and will have atonement (Rom. 11:26). The prophet Zechariah (12:10, 13:9) also predicted this time of national redemption. In the past, atonement was made for all Israel on Yom Kippur. Presently, this holy day looks forward to the time when all Israel will accept the atonement provided by the Messiah. This will be a time not only of national atonement for Israel but of atonement for the entire world. As we await this day, we can celebrate Yom Kippur by thanking G-d for the atonement available through Yeshua.

Sukkot

The Bible (Lev. 23:33-43) pictured Sukkot (Festival of Booths or Tabernacles) as an eight-day period of rejoicing. Although it occurs at harvest time, the festival virtually ignores the harvest theme as it commemorates G-d's faithfulness to Israel through the wilderness wanderings after they left Egypt.

During Second Temple times, two events which no longer take place highlighted the celebration. Water, drawn from a nearby source, was brought to the Temple and poured out by the altar as Isaiah 12:3 was repeated: "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." The torchlight parade, brilliantly illuminating the Temple at night, stood out as the other great event, possibly reflecting one of the verses from the Hallel Psalms (118:27): "G-d is the L-rd who has shown us light."

Y-shua chose these two events to highlight His mission as Messiah. As the water was being poured by the altar, He announced: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." Scripture says that rivers of living water will flow from His inmost being (John 7:37-39). As torches lit up the Temple, He shouted: "I am the light of the world... light will flood the path of the one following Me." (John 8:12)

Simchat Torah

Anticipating the coming of the Messianic kingdom, people will rejoice in the presence of the living Torah, Yeshua, the one called the Word of G-d (John 1:1). That Simchat Torah will have no rivals in its joy and celebration. Zechariah 14:16-19 describes this as a time when all nations, not just Israel, will keep the festival of Sukkot and live in booths. The booths remind us to depend on G-d and not on material goods. (Matt. 6:25-33)

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