Six Things You Can Do Now to Get Ready for the Spring Feasts

What can we do to start preparing for the Bible holidays of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits?

When you're new to celebrating the Bible holidays, it can be hard to know what to do or how to spend this time. Take some time to consider what your goals are for this year's feast days. Maybe that's doing something for Passover for the first time ever. Maybe that's putting up decorations around your home. Maybe that's taking the week off from work. That could be be traveling to celebrate with a group of believers or inviting friends over to learn about these special times. Whatever your hopes, now is the time to prepare to make that happen.

Six things you can do now to get ready for the Spring feasts:

Prepare your calendar. Different groups use different calendars, but Passover is coming up around the beginning of April. Decide on which calendar you're using and then be sure to clear your schedule then! Put in for time off work, don't schedule any appointments or major home projects then, clear other commitments from your schedule if need be. Let your children's teachers know if they'll be missing any school, etc.

Make plans. Do you want to have your family over for a Passover supper? Invite them and start thinking about a menu. Do you want to celebrate with a group of believers? If so, see about finding a group you can join, and find out when they'll be gathering. Could you invite friends over for a Bible study or see about having your small group have a time of communion and foot washing?

Study to learn about Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Whether this is your first year celebrating or fiftieth, there is something new to be learned this year. Read through the stories of Exodus and the crucifixion. You could also read books on the feasts by Eddie Chumney or Anne Elliott, among others. Studying Scripture always gives me fresh ideas and motivation for honoring YHWH's set apart times.

Do your shopping. Do you want to deck your house in crepe paper and balloons? Or give a Passover themed gift to family members? Do you need to order matzah? Are you hoping to find Passover shirts or signs? Do you need supplies to make Passover craft projects with your kids? Make a list of what you'll need for Passover and Unleavened Bread and get your times ordered or make it a point to go to the store so you don't have to rush at the last minute.

Start getting the leaven out of your house. Go through your cupboards and freezer and see what leavened items you have to use by Passover. Get those used up or donate anything you can't use to a food pantry. Leavened items are mostly breads, and things with breadcrumbs in them such as meatballs or breaded chicken. If you're not familiar with leavening, start learning now!

Take time to spiritually prepare. Removing the natural leaven from our homes is a picture of removing the spiritual leaven from our hearts. Has YHWH been speaking to you to let go of something or an area that hasn't been fully surrendered to him? Pray and ask to see what he wants to do and is doing in your life. Spend time worshipping and studying his word.

Preparing for any of the Biblical holidays is a special thing, but if you're reading this smack in the middle of the week of Unleavened Bread, don't despair! The Bible's directions for these holidays are simple enough so that anyone can participate in them. Start now and do what you can to join in the holidays the Creator made for us and to remember the amazing works of the Messiah that happened during these days!

More posts to help get ready for the Bible holidays:
Preparing Spiritually and Emotionally for Passover
The Beginner's Guide to Unleavened Bread
Kids Crafts for Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits

An Introduction to the Set Apart Times of YHWH

Have you ever wondered what the set apart times are in the Bible? In addition to the weekly Sabbath, there are seven times of the year that YHWH tells us to set apart. These times are special, and not only because we are told to celebrate them. Each holiday has significance historically, prophetically, and in the life of the Messiah. Paul wrote in Colossians that these times are a shadow of things to come. That means we have a lot to learn from these holidays.

The set apart times are:

Passover
Matzah Week / The Feast of Unleavened Bread
First Fruits

Shavuot / Pentecost / The Feast of Weeks

Yom Teruah / Feast of Trumpets

Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement

Sukkot / Feast of Tabernacles

While specific dates are given in Scripture, the Biblical calendar doesn't mesh perfectly with the Gregorian so the dates move a bit each year. 

Needing clarification is the truth that these are not "Jewish holidays." No, no, no. These are part of Scripture, so if you are a Bible believer these are yours, regardless of nationality or bloodline or family traditions. While these have largely only been kept by Jewish people, YHWH never, ever says that only part of his people should celebrate them. Deuteronomy 16:14 expressly tells us that foreigners who join the community of YHWH's people should celebrate these days too, so no matter your background the Creator invites you to these times. He made them for his honor, but also for our enjoyment and erudition. Two of the greatest gifts ever bestowed on humanity - YHWH's instructions for living and the Holy Spirit - were given at Shavuot. The Messiah was born during the Fall Feasts and of course crucified on Passover and resurrected during Matzah Week. Perhaps the most joyous time in history will be on Yom Teruah at the returning of Yahusha. These times are stunning in their significance.

A brief overview of the set apart times:

Passover: In the Biblical year Passover is the very first feast. We see the Israelites keep Passover just before the Egyptian exodus. They were instructed to brush the doors of their homes with blood from a lamb, we are reminded that the Messiah was the perfect sacrificial lamb. That's not just an allegory either, Yahusha was killed on Passover. 

The Feast of Unleavened Bread: This is a week long celebration that starts the day after Passover. Leavened/yeast bread and other products are forbidden this week. As yeast is a very small ingredient that rabidly transforms all the dough, we are reminded that the small things in our life make a huge impact. It was during this week when the Messiah rose from the dead.

First Fruits: This day happens during Matzah Week, but there is a lot of debate as to when. This is when the first of the barely harvest was to be presented before YHWH. First Fruits is the day the Messiah resurrected from the dead and presented himself to the Father. It is also when we are to start counting fifty days.

Shavuot: Fifty days after First Fruits we are to celebrate Shavuot. This is a day of great significance as the instructions on how to live were given at Mount Sinai and then shortly after Yahusha's ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Shavuot.

Yom Teruah: The first of the fall feasts, Yom Teruah means something like Day of Sounding. All those verses that talk about a trumpet sounding when the Messiah returns? It will happen on that day.

Yom Kippur: Under the Levitical priesthood this was a very significant day because it's the day that the priests made atonement for all of Israel's sin with the two goats. Today we can celebrate that the Messiah has atoned for our sins. Prophetically, it is thought that this will be the day that the earth is judged and the people who have been atoned for by Messiah will be separated from those who have not.

Sukkot: This is a beautiful look ahead to when YHWH will dwell or camp with us. With that in mind, it's no surprise that it is believed the Messiah was born during this time. This eight day celebration usually looks like a camping trip, with the commandment being to dwell in tents. Others build a temporary structure on their property and spend time there throughout Sukkot.

Why should we be keeping the feasts?

-We are told to keep these set apart times forever (Exodus 12:14). And you know what? This isn't a bad thing. These are times of joy. Thinking otherwise illustrates a lack of trust in our Creator, that we could think so negatively about him to believe he is hosting parties just so we can be miserable during them. This is not the case at all. Each set apart time is a gift from him; a time for celebration, rest, joy, thanksgiving, time with family and friends, delicious foods, and fun memories. I refuse to treat that like a burden.

-We see the Messiah celebrating these times in Scripture. He even hosts a Passover meal (also known as the last supper). And he is supposed to be our example, right? So one of the answers to those WWJD bracelets is, "celebrate the feasts!"

-Paul exhorts us to keep the feasts (1 Corinthians 5:8). Even after the Messiah was ascended into heaven we are told to keep these festivals.

-Scripture tells us not to let anyone judge us for doing this (Colossians 2:16). In his all knowing, YHWH knew we would be facing some peer pressure to not keep the feasts. I think that's why in Colossians he reminded us to not let other's opinions make our decisions for us. It's not man's choice. It's YHWH's instruction.

Are there benefits to celebrating YHWH's set apart times?

To quote Paul, "Much in every way." Most people keeping the cultural holidays do so because they feel like they are beneficial. The benefit could be that it's something fun to look forward to, or that it's an excuse to spend time with family and friends or to take a break from work, or that it's a way to celebrate love or show people you care. And these are for times that are man made or have very dark origins. How much more then can the Biblical holidays bring goodness into our lives? Here are a few of the opportunities you will have in keeping celebrating the Biblical holidays.

-Deeper relationship with the Messiah. Everything about the festivals points to him. We are going to get a a better understanding of who he is when we start celebrating the feasts. It gives us a closer look at his life (we know what he was doing at these times of year), and we can prophetically see what his return will be like.

-Taking ownership for faith in a concrete way. Believing and trusting can feel a little abstract at times. It is nice to do something tangible to grow in faith and relationship with YHWH. These are regular times to slow down and refocus on faith.

-Understanding Scripture in much more depth! The festivals are a significant part of both Old and New Testament Scripture. We are going to miss a lot of details if we aren't at least somewhat familiar with what these are. And we know that all of Scripture is useful for teaching, correcting mistakes, and training in character.

-Sharing experiences that those in the Bible had. Keeping Passover is something Moses did. And Miriam and Joshua. And the Messiah and the disciples. King Josiah and Apostle Paul too. How cool is it that we can relate to them in this way? These set apart times bring members of our faith together over thousands of years, and can make Scripture come alive to us.

-Building relationships with other believers. A Passover meal or Sukkot celebration is a great time to journey to be with others in the faith. Sharing these special times together can foster lasting friendships and meaningful relationships.

This is just a brief introduction to the feasts. There is so much more richness to each one! For more on individual feasts, go here.

DIY Menorah Ring Dish

I have a fun and easy DIY project for you today! It seems as though we are overdue for a good DIY, the last one here was the Ten Commandments Gummies and before that it was matzah jewelry for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 

As you've probably noticed, box stores and mass retailers are not exactly packed with things that represent the Hebrew faith. You won't find many menorahs or Happy Passover banners or Torah portion chalkboards readily available for purchase, so making an item for a feast or just faith encouragement is often the best option. (Though I am super happy to report a growing number of small businesses are making Hebrew minded items!) It's nice to have a few items in your home or workplace to remind you of your faith even when you aren't sitting down to study Scripture or getting ready for a formal Shabbat service. This ring dish does just that, while being lovely and functional.

Making this is a pretty straightforward process.

You will need:
air dry clay
rolling pin
knife or cookie cutter
bowl
menorah (this is what I used)
spray paint

Roll the clay out to about 1/8 inch thickness. You want this to be pretty even but it doesn't have to be perfect. Then cut out a circle, using either a large cookie cutter or set a bowl (or other round object) on your clay and use a sharp knife to cut along that.

Once you have your circle you'll need your menorah. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll recognize my small metal menorah from various photos. That's what I used for this ring dish but there are other options you could use too. Simcha Central's menorah cupcake toppers would also work, as would a stamp like this, or a fondant cutter. You could also press lightly with a menorah cookie cutter to imprint the design but don't go all the way through.

Position your menorah how you would like it and then lightly press to leave an impression in the clay. I used the rolling pin to apply even pressure and it worked well. There can be some trial and error to this, so if you aren't happy with how it's looking just start again. :)

If you're happy with that it's time to shape into a bowl (if you're not just re-roll the clay and start over). I used the same bowl I cut my circle from earlier to shape my dish. Just center it on the bottom and gently contour the edges around the sides. How you have it now will be the final shape of your dish, so don't stop until you are pleased. Keep your clay dish on the bowl as it dries. Check the package directions of your clay for how long this should take. I let mine dry overnight.

Once your dish feels completely dry to the touch, gently remove it from the bowl and you'll have something like this. So fun, right?!

I spray painted mine in a metallic gold but you could obviously use any color of spray paint. Or you could paint just the menorah and the rim. Or leave as is if you like. My air dry clay was white but there are some colored options as well. You could even try for a marbled effect with a couple of colors. It's totally up to you!

This has been my ring dish for a few months now and I love the pretty reminder of YHWH's presence and Kingdom. It's also very functional to always know where my wedding ring is if I am not wearing it. It's held up very well; I was concerned the paint may scratch off but so far it has not. These dishes also work to hold keys or spare change. They could be used as place card holders for Passover or another feast...how fun would that be?

PS - If you decide to try making a menorah dish, use your leftover clay for matzah jewelry! :)

What is a Hebrew? (Biblical Meaning)

Today we are taking a look at the Biblical definition of the word 'Hebrew.' While Hebrew is a language, it is also a word that is often used to describe God's people in general, and specific individuals in Scripture. We are also familiar with the New Testament book of Hebrews. When we see the correct understanding of this word as the Creator intended, we will realize that it's not about our bloodline or ancestry, but that God's family is inclusive to all people.

What is a Hebrew in the Bible?

The term 'Hebrew' first appears in Scripture in Genesis 14:13 where it is used to describe Abraham. In addition to Abraham, Jonah, Paul, and Joseph are identified as Hebrews. Joseph's brothers were known as Hebrews when they came to Egypt and Moses often identified YHWH as "God of the Hebrews." And this term appears throughout Scripture as a blanket statement for the people of Israel (those serving YHWH). This did not end in the 'Old Testament' either, since there is literally a book of Hebrews about how to follow the Messiah.

What does this title mean? What does it mean to be identified as a Hebrew?

Hebrew is defined as one who has crossed over to the other side. Strongs says it as, "one from beyond," and I think that's lovely. You aren't where you started. You've come to a new place. We see this in the literal sense in Scripture when Abraham and Sarah journey from their family home in Ur to the Promised Land, and when the Israelites cross the Red Sea leaving Egypt. But it also symbolizes leaving our culture's customs and crossing over to the things of YHWH. It symbolizes arriving in a new place with our faith and lifestyle. The image of journeying is very powerful. A Hebrew is anyone that is walking with YHWH.

Some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, have been grafted in among them. -Romans 11:17

The olive tree analogy is of course a parable for the Hebrew people. Paul is calling our attention to a truth with it: whether or not you can trace your family lineage back to people in the Bible, you can be a Hebrew. The term Hebrew longs predates Judaism, so you don't need to be Jewish to be included. Whether or not you are grafted in, you are still part of the olive tree. Make sense?

In Scripture being a Hebrew is synonymous with being part of Israel. To be part of Israel means that you are walking with YHWH. Israel in the Bible is not the same as the modern nation-state of Israel in the middle east, though the land space itself is similar. Living in modern Israel does not necessarily mean you are part of YHWH's definition of Israel. You are not made a Hebrew by where you live. As Romans 9:6 says, "Not all Israel is truly part of Israel."

Israel is the collective community of those walking with YHWH, those Hebrews who have crossed over to him.

What does it mean to cross over?

-Choosing to examine our faith and valuing truth more highly than tradition.
-Making changes and adjustments in our lives as we better understand truth.

-Getting our values and morals from Scripture instead of the culture.

-Choosing to follow YHWH's ways, even when it's not religiously popular.
-Walking the narrow road instead of the broad.

Hebrews listen to the Word and Holy Spirit to direct their steps. It is Hebrew to implement resting on the Sabbath into your life. Hebrews make the choice to celebrate the Biblical Passover instead of the masquerade of Easter. It is Hebrew to lay aside family or church traditions to try and live more like Scripture says we should. That's crossing over, and that's what we need to think of when Scripture talks about a Hebrew or Israel. People or a person who walked away from the culture to follow YHWH's ways. We are going to get very confused reading Scripture if we make Hebrew to be synonymous with Judaism or the language.

Hebrew is a lifestyle that loves and honors YHWH and Yahusha.

A Hebrew is a person who loves and honors YHWH and Yahusha.

I hope you can see that being a Hebrew has nothing to do with your nationality or family lineage and everything to do with the choices you make in following YHWH. No matter your past or background, you can choose today to follow YHWH's instructions in your life and to become a Hebrew.

"I am a Hebrew, and I worship YHWH, the Elohim of Heaven, who made the sea and the land." -Jonah 1:9

Related posts:

How the Bible Defines Sin
Non Jews in Scripture
How the Bible Defines Food