High Holy Days (2011)
September 18, 2011
The High Holy Days have arrived and begin on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishri which occurs on September 28 this year on the Gregorian calendar. At sundown on September 28 the Feast of Yom Teruah (or Trumpets) kicks-off the high holy days season. Yom Teruah is followed by Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Tabernacles), and Shimeni Atzereth (Great Eighth Day). These feasts, in addition to Pesach (Passover), Chag Matzoth (Unleavened Bread), Bikkurim (Firstfruits-Omer Count), and Shavout (Feast of Weeks or Pentecost) that occurred earlier in the year, are the biblical feasts appointed by Abba for our observance throughout all of our generations. See Leviticus 23.
If Yahshua (Jesus) observed these feasts appointed by the Father should we not do the same? Is it disobedience to not observe these times appointed by Abba? In addition to Leviticus 23 which instructs the Israelites to observe Pesach, Sukkot, and Shavout throughout all of our generations, Zechariah 14:16-21 indicates that Sukkot ushers in the Kingdom and will be observed by all nations in perpetuity after Abba renews the earth. This understanding was exhibited by Peter, James, and John as they attempted to build three booths (tabernacles) for Yahshua, Moshe (Moses), and Eli-Yahu (Elijah) in Matthew 17:4. They had the right idea but it was not yet the appointed time to usher in the Kingdom–the Millennial Kingdom. See Acts 1:6-7.
This year I will be taking another step in learning how to properly observe the biblical feasts appointed by Abba Yahweh by attending the Yom Kippur ‘kol nidre’ (all night) service at the Baruch Hashem Messianic congregation in Dallas, Texas. This will be my first time to attend a ‘kol nidre’ service and I cannot think of a better time to fast, pray, and seek atonement as the pressure is increasing on Israel by the day.
I’m thankful that Abba has shown both mercy and patience by continuing to draw us out of the traditions of men. This is not an easy process—not only is this transformation difficult for the one being drawn out but also for the family members and friends who bear witness to the change. Despite these difficulties, the words spoken by the prophet are ringing louder and louder:
“O Yahweh, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the Yom (Day) of Tribulation, the gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our ahvot (fathers) have inherited only lies, only vanity, and things in which there is no profit.” (Jeremiah 16:19).
Below is a schedule of the upcoming High Holy Days that occur during the Hebrew calendar month of Tishri. The schedule is in Hebrew with English translation.
Ethanim-Tishri Moadim/Fall Feasts (2011)
Tishri 1/Sept 28 (sundown) — Yom Teruah/Trumpets
Tishri 10/Oct 7 (sundown) — Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement
Tishri 15/Oct 12 (sundown Full Moon) — Sukkot/Tabernacles-First Day
Tishri 21/Oct 18 (sundown) — Sukkot/Tabernacles-Last Day
Tishri 22/Oct 19 (sundown) – Shimeni Atzereth/Great 8th Day
