ROSH HASHANAH 5785

5785 in Hebrew means "Hey" which means behold. The term "behold" signifies an astonishing sight that compels one to draw the attention of others, urging them to witness it as well. In every instance where Jesus uses the word "behold" in the Bible, it precedes a revelation of remarkable significance.

"Grace upon grace”

Sound of the Shofar on Rosh HaShanah

Leviticus 23:23-25 states: “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with the blast of trumpets, a holy convocation.

Rosh is the Hebrew word for "head", and shana means year. Thus, Rosh Hashanah means "head of the year", referring to the day of the New Year.

Rosh Hashanah is Teshuvah, which means returning to God through repentance. It is a time for self-examination, making amends, and resolving to do better in the coming year.

It commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion.

Rosh Hashanah is not just a new year’s celebration but a solemn and introspective occasion. It is believed to be the day when God created Adam and Eve, and thus the world was formed.

Another name for Rosh Hashanah is the Feast of the trumpets. It is the preparation for the Mesiah knowing that he can come any day. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 refers to a mystery when the trumpet sounds.  He gives a little more detail in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, but once again refers to the “trumpet call of God” that announces the return of Jesus Christ for those who have placed their faith in Him.

We are to get prepared and stay prepared. We do know without doubt that there is coming a day when all people in the world who have put their trust in Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord are going to be suddenly removed.  Caught up in the air to be with Jesus forever. While His followers will be experiencing the joy of His visible presence, those left behind are going to be plunged into worldwide grief and fear, chaos and confusion.

Food and Feasting

It’s customary to eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize the wish for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah celebrations are incomplete without traditional foods like Challah (a type of bread), pomegranates, and fish. Each dish holds symbolic significance and is part of the larger narrative of renewal and blessing.

Get ready!