Sound the Trumpet for Rosh Hashanah

Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD.'" Leviticus 23:23-25

 

Blow the Trumpet—or Shofar! The Gregorian calendar is different from the Jewish calendar so the seventh month, Tishri, occurs for us in September-October. This holy festival marking the beginning of a New Year, 5776, begins at sunset Sunday, September 13^th and ends on Tuesday, September 15^th at sunset. The sounding of the shofar is done in the synagogue with 100 notes in a special rhythm just for this day. Traditional foods, including apples with honey, are eaten to sweeten the coming year. It is a time to remember God’s creation and to begin a time of reflection on one’s own deed and forgiveness. Often symbolically pieces of bread are thrown into a nearby river or stream as if to cast off sins. Debts are to be paid before Rosh Hashanah. The custom of this holy day is that God opens the Book of Judgment on this day and those who are worthy will have their names written in the Book of Life. Those who are not worthy will have their names blotted out. Those in between will have ten day between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to atone for their mistakes—their sins.

 

As a Christian I don’t have to worry about making atonement for my sins. That is what Jesus Christ did on the when He died on the cross. Where do you stand with the Lord? How do you view atonement for your sins? Can you blow the shofar horn to sound a sweet new year for yourself—one of repentance to the Lord so that your life will be in a good relationship with Him…and with others.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, as I reflect on my past sins—I cast them off and ask for God’s forgiveness. May all that I think, say and do bring glory and honor to the Lord—and a sweet relationship with God and with my family, friends, and neighbors.

 

Happy Rosh Hashanah – Happy New Year

May you be sealed with a good year by God.

כְּתִיבָה וַחֲתִימָה טוֹבָה

"Ketivah VaChatimah Tovah"

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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