Chag Rosh HaShanah Sameach! Year 5779

The Scriptures instruct the Jewish people to observe 3 “fixed times” in the Fall season. The first of the three “fixed times” in this season is called Rosh HaShanah. Many understand Rosh HaShanah as “The Jewish New Year” to be celebrated with lots of food, family and celebration, much of what it has become to the majority of Jewish people in the Diaspora, as is done with other cultures around the world.
But is that what the Scriptures reveal?

According to Jewish tradition, the following refer to the Jewish New Year:  Rosh HaShanah (literally head or beginning of the year), Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), the biblical name used in Leviticus 23, and Yom HaDin (Day of Judgment).  The sound of the trumpet on this day is a warning to us that the time of judgment has begun, the Day we stand in judgment before G-d.

Anyone who would “make t’shuvah” (turn back to HaShem with all your heart) during the 30-day period in the month of Elul, that person would be written in the Book of Life.  Those who did not “make t’shuvah” before the blowing of the trumpet or shofar on Yom Teruah would enter into the next 10 days of a 40-day period ending on Yom Kippur.  According to Jewish writings, those who seek repentance and turn back to HaShem before Yom Teruah, the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, would be written in the Book of Life and be righteous in G-d’s eyes.  Those not written in the Book of Life would now be considered part of one of two groups of people that would enter these final 10 days, a time called “Yamim HaNoraim” or “The Days of Awe”, described as horrible, terrible days or days of great tribulation.  These days are also described as “Aseret Yamei T’shuvah”, the 10 days of repentance, for a group referred to as “Intermediates”.  The “intermediates” refer to those who are spiritually lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, who would now have to consider making t’shuvah before the end of Yom Kippur when the gates of Heaven close until the following year.  The second group is called the “Rashim”, the totally wicked.  They are to be judged on Yom HaDin (Rosh HaShanah) and go into eternal damnation.

As Messianic Jews and believers in Messiah Yeshua, we have much to celebrate, for our Yeshua (Salvation) has come. We have turned back to HaShem in repentance and with a humble heart have embraced Adonai’s permanent atonement. This is a season of judgment but also of forgiveness. Let us examine our hearts and celebrate that our names are written down forever in the Book of Life.

Daniel 12:1-4 TLV
1“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has never occurred since the beginning of the nation until then. But at that time your people—everyone who is found written in the book—will be delivered.
2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake—some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting contempt.
3Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavenly expanse. And those who turn many to righteousness will be like the stars forever and ever.
4But you, Daniel, close up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will run back and forth and knowledge will increase.’

From all the Board of HaShomer wishing you:
L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu!  May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a good year!