Music & Moonlight Yom Teruah Celebration

There are some passages in Scripture that you can just tell were written by a man. I don't mean that as an insult or a bad thing, but you know how guys sometimes don't include a lot of specifics when they tell a story? There are definitely parts of Scripture like that. I would like more details, please.

Yom Teruah is one of those 'left out the details' parts. We know more about YHWH's other festivals; instructions that lend easily to activities and menus. For Yom Teruah we aren't even told why to celebrate, though we can see the significance of its prophetic meaning. We know the Day of Sounding involves not working, lots of shofar music, and that it happens under the light of the seventh month's new moon.

Music and moonlight. Take what Scripture says and go with it.

Since it is the only festival that happens under a new moon, why not make it an evening under the stars? We need to be looking to confirm that it is the new moon anyway, since we don't know the day or hour. :) Lovely music is a happy addition to any occasion but never more appropriate than for a day known as Sounding.

The decor was super simple to put together. A 30 cent piano songbook got it's pages cut out and hot glued together for a table runner. Other pages had a single letter printed onto them (in a regular printer), were cut into triangles and glued to string to make a pretty bunting.

The goldenrod is a wildflower that is plentiful in our yard and area this time of year.

A candlelit alfresco dinner with string music. What could be lovelier? If your family or congregation has musicians you could ask them to take turns playing. A group hymn sing would also be beautiful.

Many of us have missed the beauty of Yom Teruah for a long time. Knowing so little about this set apart day means that YHWH has more to reveal to us about it. But we need to embrace the truth of what Yom Teruah is in the Scripture. A Day of Sounding, music, and moonlight.

To be honest, it is sad that most of the traditions of this feast day get wrapped into the not Biblically based Rosh Hashanah. We aren't going to get into it, but there is no festival of YHWH in Scripture that is called Rosh Hashanah. I know it is celebrated as the Jewish new year but Scripture tells us Aviv is the first month of the year. Moving on.

That's not to say it is bad to have apples and honey. If they are in season in your part of the world, apples are a logical choice to serve as they are healthy and loved by all. Using honey to symbolize the sweetness of YHWH's forgiveness after a time of repentance or to look forward to the sweetness of the Messiah's return seem reasonable to me. Just be aware that this is simply a man made tradition, not instruction from the Torah.

In addition to shofar sounding and any live music, create a playlist of background music to play during dinner. Good violin or piano is very elegant and I like to play string versions of my favorite songs. 

How are you planning to celebrate Yom Teruah this year?

Einkorn Matzah Bread for Passover

This is an easy recipe to make your own unleavened bread as an alternative to store-bought matzah for Passover. It is made with einkorn flour but can be adapted to use all-purpose or whole wheat flour.

"Seven days you shall eat matzah, for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste. Eat so you may remember this all your life."
-Deuteronomy 16:3


Though we usually see it in a box as a large cracker, matzah is bread that has been made without leavening, yeast, or fermentation. It is the flat bread the Hebrews ate when they came out of Egypt. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread we are to eat it each day as a reminder that YHWH so quickly changed the circumstances of the Israelites they didn't have time for their bread to rise before baking.

I am so glad I decided to bake my own matzah! This is a food that you can eat and enjoy, not choke down like the boxed version. It is soft and chewy, an unleavened cousin to India's naan bread. It wouldn't be out of place next to a bowl of soup or curry. Since it is soft you can use this as sandwich bread, without it being attack of the crumbs. Eat it with hummus or dip it into your eggs at breakfast. Also, it's much more nutritious than the boxed version. Einkorn is an ancient form of wheat that has never been hybridized, and much more similar to what the Israelites were eating than modern red wheat. In my opinion, einkorn products are much more filling and don't cause that crave/crash cycle that carbohydrates are infamous for. I hope you will give it a try!

Why should you try this recipe?

1. It's delicious. Can we be candid and admit boxed matzah is not very good? Homemade matzah will have you looking forward to Unleavened Bread week instead of dreading it.
2. For the Biblical experience. I think there is a lot of value in doing Bible things in Bible ways. While we are not commanded to bake our own matzah, it can give us a glimpse into Scripture from the practical vantage point of food. 
3. It's healthier. Einkorn contains more protein and less starch than typical commercial wheat. It is also a good source of minerals and vitamin B. Even if you don't use my recipe, making matzah yourself gives you control over the ingredients. Those can be organic, whole grain, allergy friendly, etc.

Did I mention there are lots of options for this bread? I tried baking it three different ways to compare the differences. I baked it on a cast iron pan in the oven, used the cast iron pan on the stove, and baked it on a regular baking sheet. All three were delicious but my favorite was cast iron baked. It stayed softest that way. If you'd prefer crisper matzah the baking sheet is the best bet. The stove top method gets the strongest flavor (and is easiest to burn). If you wanted to change it up, you could mix in black pepper, green onions, smoked paprika, or any herb or spice of your preference into the dough and go from there. 

Be sure to make this when you have time to do it all at once. Letting the dough sit would make it innapropriate for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 

Einkorn Matzah Recipe
2 cups hot water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
5 cups einkorn flour (I use this kind), plus more if needed

Preheat your oven to 450°. If using cast iron, put your pan in the oven now so it can get hot.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, olive oil, honey, and salt. Then slowly mix in the flour until you have a dough that is soft but not sticky. Sprinkle your counter with a little extra flour then knead for five minutes.
Divide your dough into approximately 3 ounce portions (in between a golf and tennis ball in size). You should get 12-14 pieces.
Roll each piece out into a flat circle, around six inches across, and 1/8th inch thick.
Use a fork to perforate the dough. 
If using cast iron in the oven - Carefully place into your preheated pan and put it back in the oven for 2 minutes. You want the matzah to just start looking brown in spots. Flip the piece over and bake an additional 2 minutes, until golden brown to your desired liking.
If using a regular baking sheet - Line your pan with parchment then bake your matzah 4 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional  4 minutes, until it's as golden brown as you like.
If using cast iron on the stove - Put your pan on medium heat and give it time to warm up. Five minutes was plenty for me. Place a piece of matzah in the skillet and cook for one minute, it will start to look very dark in places. Flip and cook the other side for one minute.
Cool on a wire rack.
Repeat as needed. You will end up with 12 - 14 matzahs.

These are best fresh but they will store in an airtight container for several days and stay soft.

Up your homemade matzah with these tips:
-Warm it up! You can make your pieces of unleavened bread small enough to go in the toaster if you want, otherwise try toasting it in a skillet or the oven. Warm bread is always great, and it makes a big difference with older bread.
-Make it crunchy! Craving crackers or pita chips? Cut your matzah into small pieces, and then toss into the oven for a few minutes until you have crunchy matzah that's great for hummus or other dips.
-Make it salty! Using the same method as above, cut your matzah into pieces. Then toss with a tablespoon or so of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. You can also play around with different seasoning combinations...taco seasoning, cinnamon and sugar, smoked paprika, or ranch seasoning all sound promising. Then bake for a few minutes until crisp to your liking.

What do you eat with your homemade einkorn matzah bread?
-Any toppings you would normally put on toast or bagels.
-As a side with any soup.
-Curry or other Indian food where you would normally have naan.
-Serve the crispy version with dip, cheese, or hummus as you would pita chips or crackers.
-Make wraps with cheese, veggies, lunchmeat, hardboiled eggs, etc.
-Use it as base for pizza or flatbreads!

Here are recipes to use your homemade matzah in.

Hebrew Holiday Calendar Dates + Printable

The definition of Hebrew is 'one who has crossed over to the other side.' I think that's pretty fitting for the Feast days of YHWH. They're not exactly mainstream. They're about as opposite as possible from that. You don't celebrate the Feasts by accident. It takes deliberate intent and action to leave behind the celebrations of our culture. To cross over. Which is why I've made this printable. Take it and pencil it in on your calendar now, put in for vacation time now. You won't be sorry. It really is a privilege and joy to celebrate YHWH's festivals.

These are the traditional dates for the Feasts this year, used by most Messianic and Jewish groups. There is a lot of debate over how this mashes up with the Gregorian calendar so I can't say for certain that these dates are absolutely correct. The second set is inspired by teachings out of Torah to the Tribes. Study for yourself and prayerfully consider when to celebrate the Festivals of YHWH, and then do what you need to be able to celebrate by taking off work, rearranging vacation plans, etc. I don't know if either set is flawless, but we can be joyful that we are taking steps to honor the Word and keep the commanded Feast days.

So how does this work?

For the first set of dates, days start at sundown. Meaning Sukkot starts the evening of October 16 and ends at sundown on October 24.

You will also want to keep in mind that work is not permitted on certain days during the Festivals, similar to a special Shabbat. We should honor YHWH by planning ahead to be free from our professional and home duties on those days.

Passover No Work Days:
April 22 - April 24
April 29 - 30
Work is permitted only April 25 - 28.

Shavuot No Work Days:
June 11 - June 12

Yom Teruah No Work Days:
October 2 - October 3

Yom Kippur No Work Days:
October 11 - October 12

Sukkot No Work Days:
October 16 - October 17
October 23 - October 24

(Again, starting the evening of the first date, and ending the evening of the second date.)

The Torah to the Tribes dates in the second set are morning to morning, with the exception of Yom Kippur, which Scripture says is evening to evening.

Click below to download!

Printable calendar in white
Printable calendar in orange
Torah to the Tribes in white
Torah to the Tribes in orange

These are completely free for your personal use.

Celebrating Shavuot

Hopefully everyone is looking forward to the pinnacle of the Feast of Weeks! Whether you are new to keeping the festivals of YHWH or are just looking for some fresh ideas I've put together a list of fun traditions and new ideas. Do you have a favorite activity for Shavuot? Please share below!

Bake bread. Shavuot requires two loaves of wheat bread (Vayikra 23:16). In our culture bread is mostly purchased at the store, and is usually inexpensive and of very low quality. In days of past, however, bread was baked at home or bought from highly skilled bakers. As perhaps the staple of the diet, you can imagine they became quite good at baking and that was obvious tasting the bread. If possible, take the time to bake bread. Challah made with eggs and butter or olive oil is traditional but as long as it is leavened, any type will do.

Bring a free-will offering. YHWH says to rejoice by giving (Deuteronomy 16:10). Many times it's easy for giving to feel more like a tax or obligation than something to celebrate but Deuteronomy 16:10 says we are to give according to how YHWH has blessed us. He isn't asking us to give what we don't have. By giving we are celebrating that YHWH has provided for our needs.

Read the book of Ruth. This is a fun tradition for Shavuot since much of Ruth revolves around harvest season. Significantly Ruth was born a Moabite but chose to be grafted into the people of Israel, showing us that our bloodline is not what makes us Israel but choosing to follow YHWH. This is a fitting reminder during a holiday that is to be celebrated by all of YHWH's children.

Rejoice with your household. Deuteronomy 16:10 talks about celebrating with our family but doesn't stop there. Servants, Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows "that are among you" all get mentioned. Shavuot is an opportunity to share of the blessings and festivals of YHWH with others. Host a party to share about this holy day or prayerfully consider sending a card or gift to someone.

Have a festive meal. After all, it is also known as the Feast of Weeks. Since the first wheat harvest of the year is emphasized it makes since to include bread in your meal. Set up a crostini station with different toppings to try. Traditionally dairy foods are served on Shavuot since "milk and honey" is thought to be an euphemism for the Torah. Grilled cheese, blintzes, yogurt bars, and cheesecake are all common during the festival.

Teach the Ten Commandments. The Torah was given to Israel on or around Shavuot so studying the Ten Commandments is very fitting. Look for crafts to do with children or get a canvas and paint your own Ten Commandments to decorate with.

Study Torah. There is a Jewish tradition of staying up all night studying in anticipation of Shavuot. It's not everyone's cup of tea (remember the guy who fell asleep and fell out the window when Shaul was preaching?) but a late-night Bible study with lots of coffee would be memorable.

Get mikvahed. Yochanan the Immerser said that while he baptized with water, Yeshua would immerse with fire. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was poured out in the form of fire on those in the Temple. And it happened on Shavuot. And with reasonably warm weather in most of the world what better time for a mikvah?

Remember the poor. In Vayikra 23:22 we are instructed to help provide for the poor. This is just a few verses after we are instructed to observe this festival. Look for ways you can bless others during the Shavuot season.

Ask for the Holy Spirit. Shavuot is the day the most remarkable outpouring of the Ruach Hakodesh. Spend time praying for more of the Holy Spirit of YHWH in your life, family, and community. Ask for understanding of the Word, and for the Ruach Hakodesh to be poured out.

Shavuot: First Fruits of Wheat

Shavuot--the final Springtime feast--the harvest holiday--the Feast of Weeks--is almost here. Have you been counting the omer? By my count we are on the 44th day of the omer, and Shavuot will arrive on day fifty, this Sunday evening. This feast is also known in Greek as Pentecost, which means fiftieth.

What is Shavuot? Exodus 34:22 tells us,

And you shall observe Chag Shavuot, of the bikkurim of the wheat harvest.

While bikkurim is Hebrew for first fruits, this is a separate feast from the First Fruits during Matzah week, which concerns the barley harvest.

Shavuot is about wheat.

Scripture speaks highly of wheat. Our culture does not. Most of us hear "gluten free" and equate that with healthy. But the Bible says that wheat is good.

It is widely believed that the Torah was given on Shavuot, but did you know Scripture doesn't actually tell us that? Exodus 19:1 says that the Torah was given during the third month of the year, so it is likely that this idea is correct as Shavuot falls in the month of Sivan. However, I think we should be aware this isn't necessarily the case.

The most significant Shavuot in history happened ten days after Yahusha ascended into the shmayim.

Acts 2:1-4
And when the moed of Shavuot was fully counted by the omer, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from the shamayim as of a groaning Ruach, and it filled all the Bayit where they were sitting. And there appeared to them divided tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Ruach Hakodesh, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Ruach Hakodesh gave them utterance.

The Spirit of Set Apartness fell on the Temple. The Torah was written on the hearts of men.

On Shavuot, we are to give thanks for the first wheat harvest. The spring harvest is undeniably important but the biggest harvest happens in the fall. On Shavuot, we thank YHWH for providing for us for this time, and we remind ourselves that he will provide again.

On Shavuot we give thanks for the word of YHWH and his Holy Spirit in our lives, we expect an outpouring of understanding that day, and we look forward to what he will provide. Is it hypocritical to show thankfulness for what we've been given while asking for more? Absolutely not. As with the wheat offering, we give thanks for each loaf of bread but we recognize that one meal won't sustain us forever. Shavuot is about remembering that YHWH has sustained us until now and he will keep sustaining us. As with the wheat offering it is a time to place our well-being in his hands.

Celebrating Passover Seder

We took a different approach to our Seder meal this year. It was smaller, more relaxed, not quite as long. Somehow the Haggadah was condensed to a single page. There were fresh flowers, real china, and two lit menorahs. We set aside some of the traditions of hand washing, and salt water. More emphasis was placed on the Messiah than on the story of the Exodus. The evening was a beautiful celebration of the redemption of YHWH in days past, like the Israelites leaving Egypt, and of his redemption in our own lives.

We used real china for place settings and couldn't have been happier. It was a special touch in an elegant evening.

This year we had just sixteen people. The smaller group made it more like a dinner party (like the last supper).

Lighting the menorah.

Another pre-guest table shot. Each guest had a Hagaddah, a 10 Plagues coaster, and a fresh almond that I remembered to add after I took this photo. Haha.

This year's reading: "The Story of Israel."

Passing of the matzah, symbolizing his body broken for us.

I like to describe the items on the Seder plate as the Gospel in six courses. Extra points if you can see the tired little pup laying beneath the table.

 Our miracle one page Hagaddah! Nes gadol hayah sham.

 Our Passover meal included the mandatory grilled lamb, matzah, and bitter herb salad, as well as add ins like roasted asparagus and peppers, charoset, potato salad, and hummus with veggies.

 Both plates had the same things, I promise.

Our cutest attendee.

Oh these coasters? They're from Matanote on Etsy.

The third cup of wine, "I will redeem you."

Instead of afikomen we had pavlova with fresh berries and whipped cream for dessert.

Party favors?

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Passover and Feast of Matzah!