Rosh Hashanah

Feast of Trumpets

Scripture: Leviticus 23:23-25

Ezra 3:1-6

Numbers 29:1-6

History and Purpose: The Jewish New Year begins the high Holy Days in the Jewish month of Tishri (corresponding to September or October). A celebration of the spiritual birthday of the world or creation is a big part of the modern day observance. It also begins a time of repentance where one begins to self-examine their sins to be forgiven. In Bible times this holiday was marked by the blowing of the Shofar, a ram’s horn, which announced the coming of the holy festival.

Messianic Significance: Possibly depicts the rapture of the church, a regathering of believers at the sound of the trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelations 19) and judgment of the wicked. Another possibility is that this is the day of the second coming when Jesus will be King of earth.

Celebration Ideas: Start with a time of personal repentance. In your family you can discuss the need and purpose of repentance and what that means to us as Christians. Next go off and have some personal time with God. Second, partake the casting of sin ceremony. On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, observant Jews congregate near a body of water, pray, and throw lint and bread crumbs from their pockets into the water. This is taken from Micah 7:18-19. Then read 1John 1:9. There are several modifications for you to do this as a family. Maybe a lake or pond, maybe the trash, or yes--even the toilet. The traditional food to eat on this day is something very sweet such as apples in honey to recognize the sweet forgiveness of God and help us look forward to a sweet new year. Have a great meal and play games together with family and or friends. And if you dare, buy gazoos or some type of horn for the kids to blow signifying the Trumpets for the Lord.