Looking Forward to Yom Kippur

Yes, you read that correctly. I am looking forward to Yom Kippur. Why? Because it is a time that YHWH designated as different from the rest of the year. He made it distinct from the other set apart days. Yom Kippur is worth celebrating and we should be excited about it.

I don't want to give you the idea that I've always felt this way. Yom Kippur used to be a day of trepidation and dread for me. An entire day without eating and drinking? That doesn't exactly sound like a joy. But it is.

It is important to know that Yom Kippur (like the rest of YHWH's festivals) is not a "Jewish holiday." While the majority of those who observe Yom Kippur may be Jewish, YHWH's intention was not to create festivals and set apart times only for a tiny fraction of His people. Yom Kippur is for all of YHWH's people, whether or not they are from the tribe of Judah.

Yom Kippur is such a strong reminder of how upside-down YHWH's ways are from what we know. It's one of those things that sounds a lot like, Blessed are the poor.... It's something totally backwards from our culture. Interestingly, YHWH deliberately placed an all-day fast in the middle of harvest season. Not eating for a day would make a little more sense in say, February, when most of us haven't seen a plant growing in months. But right now? I have tomatoes and squash in the garden, fresh peaches and a huge watermelon on my counter, just canned jars of salsa and applesauce that need put away, a bowl of peppers that need to be frozen, and a huge pile of greens that need to be dealt with. Food is in abundance right now in most of the world, and if you grow your own you're well aware of what needs picked and how you're going to freeze or store the rest. We would never pick this as the time to fast. It doesn't make sense not to partake in the good things we have. This doesn't seem like it's the best time to fast. But it is.

Why should we be excited about an all day fast?

We should have joy that we have this instruction from YHWH. In Nehemiah 8 Ezra read the Torah scroll to those in Jerusalem; many heard it for the first time and wept. While the text doesn't give a specific reason for the crying, we can surmise that they were mourning that they had not been keeping the instructions of YHWH. In Nehemiah 8:10 it says, "This day is kadosh to our YHWH: neither be sorry; for the simcha of YHWH is your strength." Don't be sad or regret this. This day is set apart to YHWH. He will give you gladness. Our greatest joy is being able to keep YHWH's word.

We are no longer dependent on the blood of animals. While we praise YHWH for providing the Levitical temple system as a temporary appeasement for our ancestors, we can be joyful that Yahusha has once and for all provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

It is a day of forgiveness. On Yom Kippur we should spend time in prayer asking for forgiveness and forgiving others. It is a joyous thing to be forgiven of the sins we have done. We should be happy to let go of the burden of unforgiveness against others as well.

Yahusha praises fasting. He taught that fasting, when not done to impress others, would be rewarded. Yahusha also famously fasted for forty days. One day doesn't seem so hard when we remember that.

Fasting is used to make teshuvah. In Joel 2:12 YHWH says, "Make teshuvah to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and mourning." We can use this day of fasting to return to YHWH in all areas of our lives and repent of the wrong paths that we have been on.

It gives us compassion for those with less than us. Some 800 million people, or more than 10% of the earth don't have enough food to lead a healthy life. Going without food, even for one day gives us a tiny idea of what it's like to really be hungry.

We can focus on YHWH. My favorite part of the all day fast is how much more time it gives me for study and prayer. I don't need to make lunch or keep going to the kitchen for water or figure out what to have for a snack. Each year it surprises me how much of our time is spent preparing and consuming our meals. A day set apart for Scripture reading with no distractions is okay with me.

For these reasons we can have gladness in our hearts during Yom Kippur. Why will you be joyous?

Swoon Worthy Yom Teruah Party

Today I'm excited to share with you a Yom Teruah celebration that I've been envisioning most of the summer. Pink and gold? Apples and lace? Yes, please!

For me, parties are about creating a lovely atmosphere while staying true to my beliefs about conscious consumerism. The last thing I wanted was to go buy a bunch of things that would end up in the trash or shoved in a closet. With those ideals in mind, I'm happy with what I put together for the first of the Fall Feasts. Other than the balloons, everything you see is something I already had or borrowed. So no need to invest big money or haul away garbage bags of disposables when you're done!

Since the menorah represents the presence of YHWH I wanted to include that front and center. And to make this tablescape clearly for Yom Teruah, what better than shofars?

This simple printable is from Tehillim 100. It is usually translated, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord of the earth." But is closer to, "Make a noise of simcha to YHWH, all the lands." If you wanted to use it as a place card you could go with something like, "Make a joyful noise, Rachel."

 The large tablecloth belonged to my grandmother. I added a smaller tablecloth and table runner from my mom for more texture and interest.

 While apples are a traditional food to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, that's not the reason I went with them. I originally wanted peaches (imagine the scent!), but since I have an apple tree about twenty feet right of this photo I decided to utilize those. You could use whatever is in season in your part of the world.

The bushel baskets are something I found in my grandparents garage a while back. My grandmother used to by huge amounts of fruit to freeze or preserve so they are from some nearby orchard. I actually use them quite a bit for fruit and squash picking.

Letter balloons. All the heart eyes! Originally I wanted the huge ones that can float, but then thinking about logistics (IS there a vehicle that can hold nine 40 inch balloons?!) and cost ($10+ each) I decided to go with the one foot size. They don't float but look great when hung on string or ribbon!

And the apples? They are simmering on the stove as they become applesauce.

I'm looking forward to celebrating Yom Teruah in just a few days! I hope you are too! Chag sameach!

Significance of the Shofar During Yom Teruah

Why is the shofar sounded during the Biblical holiday of the Feast of Trumpets? What do those sounds mean?

From Hebrew Yom Teruah translates as Day of the Sounding or Day of the Awakening Blasts. The sound in question coming from shofars (Leviticus 23:23). This is why Yom Teruah is also called the Feast of Trumpets.

What is a shofar? It's a musical instrument that is made out of ram's horn. They come in many sizes and, when played by someone who knows what they're doing, they make a lovely sound. While they aren't heard or seen much outside of Hebrew circles, occasionally they are used in movie soundtracks, including Lord of the Rings.

When we hear a sound that denotes something in particular we associate those things. Just hearing the music of an ice cream truck can make us hungry. Police sirens can cause our pulse to quicken as we remember the bill for our last speeding ticket. Hearing the tornado siren test brings to mind memories of bad storms a few years ago. We associate sounds.

Today, sadly, the significance of the sound of the shofar is lost on most of us. It's something we really don't have much to associate with. However, I don't believe YHWH desires for it to stay this way! Let's examine the Bible to see where the sounds of the shofars were heard.

Shofar Uses in Scripture:

1. The shofar is used when YHWH appears. -Zechariah 9:14

2. The Torah was given to Israel with the sound of the shofar. -Exodus 19:19

3. The shofar was blown to announce the beginning of the Biblical holidays. -Numbers 10:10

4. Shofars are used during new moon celebrations. -Psalm 81:4

5. The shofar was a blown at the start of the Jubilee year. -Leviticus 25:9

6. The blowing of the shofar was a signal for the call to repentance. -Isaiah 58:1

7. When the exiles are regathered into the Promised Land the shofar will be blown. -Isaiah 27:13

8. The blowing of the shofar ushers in the day of YHWH. -Joel 2:1

9. Shofars were used for the coronation of kings. -1 Kings 1:34

10. The sound Israel made after marching around Jericho was blasting shofars. -Joshua 6:20

11. Shofars were blown to signal to Israelites during war. -Judges 3:27

12. The watchmen who stood upon Jerusalem's walls blew the shofar. -Ezekiel 33:3-6

13. The shofar is a reminder of YHWH providing a ram for Abraham to use as a burnt offering. -Genesis 22:13

14. During the rebuilding of Jerusalem wall, shofars were used to call for help.  -Nehemiah 4:14

15. John was taken up to Heaven in the book of Revelation by the sound of the shofar. -Revelation 4:1

16. At the resurrection of the dead the shofar will sound. -1 Thessalonians 4:16

17. Seven shofars will be sounded when YHWH judges the earth during the tribulation. -Revelation 8

18. Shofars are used to praise YHWH. -Psalm 150:3

19. Shofars are used in joyful celebration before YHWH. -Psalm 98:6

20. The shofar is a reminder that YHWH is sovereign. -Psalm 47:5

21. An angel sounds a shofar to proclaim that the kingdom of the world know belongs to YHWH and the Messiah. -Revelation 11:15

There is a lot of significance with this instrument! This list isn't exhaustive (shofars are mentioned over 80 times in Scripture) but I think we should have an idea that this instrument has so much meaning to the Living God. 

What can we associate with the Feast of Trumpets from this list? The presence of YHWH, repentance, worshiping YHWH, the Torah, the Mssiah being crowned as king, the promise of YHWH to regather his scattered people, reminders that He will judge the earth, and that the world belong to Him!

More on Yom Teruah:

The Beginner's Guide to the Feast of Trumpets
The Meaning of Yom Teruah

Shavuot in Acts 2

There are many believers who place more emphasis on the Holy Spirit than on the written Word of YHWH. Other believers focus in on the Torah, while ignoring the Holy Spirit. But did you know these are inseparable? 

The most significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit happened in Acts 2. Most of us know this day as Pentecost, so we think of this day and the Holy Spirit as a brand new thing. Pentecost, however, is a Greek word that most Bible translators choose to call Shavuot.

The Holy Spirit was given at one of the festivals of YHWH. Shavuot was not a new thing in Acts 2, it first happened in Exodus 19, and is talked about in Leviticus 23, and Deuteronomy 16.

The Holy Spirit will always direct you to honor the Word of YHWH. And, yes, that includes the Torah and the instructions given there.

Tehillim 119:1 says,

"Blessed are those who are undefiled in your ways; who have their walk in the Torah of YHWH."

Happy Shavuot!

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!

Matzah Week Pictures

Happy Feast of Unleavened Bread! My sister arrived in town a half hour before our Seder started, and it's been a great week having her here!

Remains from the Seder meal are my new centerpiece. Obviously couldn't bring myself to eat the chocolate Seder plate.

My new favorite way to eat matzah. Cream cheese and mushrooms and kale sauteed in garlic and shallots.

A friend surprised me with a copy of Paula Shoyer's The Holiday Kosher Baker. It's so fun to have a book devoted to sweet treats for the Feasts!

Another great way to eat matzah: cream cheese, smoked salmon, red peppers, and arugula.

The Passover section of The Holiday Kosher Baker.

Counting the Omer! And putting the Passover stickers to good use.

 This was not a bad situation.

Pavlova, chocolate ganache, cheesecake (sans crust), raspberries, and freshly whipped cream. All organic! Perfection.

The Passover pup!

Messiah our Pesach

Passover starts tomorrow night! Are you guys ready? For the past few years I have made the Seder meal for 25+ people. This year we are having a potluck style meal so I actually have less to do than usual. I am bringing the grape juice I made last summer, and dessert, and I also made a four hour round trip to pick up the matzah and lamb. As promised here is another Passover printable! Use it to decorate or as a bookmark in your Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 5:8 - For Messiah our Pesach was sacrificed for us: so then let us keep the Feast, not with old chametz; but with the unleavened matzah of sincerity and truth.

This is free for your personal use. Download it here.

Hebrew Holidays Calendar

We aren't done with free printables! It's a bit of a challenge to figure out when the Hebrew dates correspond on the Gregorian calendar so I have made a list that you can print off to keep in your planner, Bible, or on the fridge. 

Most of us think of the Festivals of YHWH as "Jewish holidays" because they are mostly the people who have kept them. However Scripture teaches that these holy days are for both the natural born Israelite and for anyone who wishes to be grafted into YHWH's family of Israel. I chose to call these Hebrew because that is a word that means, "one who has crossed over to YHWH's ways."

These are the dates that the congregation that I attend goes by. A lot of studying has gone into this and this is our best understanding of what is when. The date for First Fruits comes from Vayikra 23:11 which says, "on the next day after the first day." The first day being the start of the Feast of Matzah, or the second day after Passover. Fifty days after that takes us to May 24 for Shavuot.

How it works: Since Hebrew days begin in the evening, the dates listed start in the evening. So Passover starts the evening of April 3 and goes until sundown the next day. The Feast of Matzah starts the evening of April 4 and goes until sundown on April 11.

See the pink one beneath it? That's another Passover printable that I'm sharing later this week! 

I hope this will help you celebrate and prepare for the Festivals of YHWH! Download it here!