How do Messianic's celebrate the jewish new year?

[vegangirl]

Anyone...

[Mark]

First, we should probably move this thread to "moedim" which means "seasons" and is the term used to describe our celebrations; but for now, I think I'd like to leave it here just to see what kind of activity it generates. I've noticed that most of the folk passing through this forum these days have very little Hebrew background. It's sometimes a little cumbersome as we struggle through such a different culture that uses terminology from a different language.

The "Jewish New Year" or Rosh Hashana is coming up pretty quicly. This year it falls on September 30th. But when we think of this day as an individual box of celebration that fits in our calendar, we very much limit many powerful things that Adonai has to share with us in our relationship with Him.

We should start by counting about 30 days back from the September 30th till, say, next week. This begins the last month of the Hebrew calendar, the month of Elul. Elul means "to search". For the month of Elul, we commit to a discipline of searching our hearts, evaluating our motives, and considering the previous year as to how well we have represented our Lord and King in this world in which we live. The stories that Messiah told were familiar to His listeners, of the king who said that he was returning and that his stewards would have to give account, of the virgins that were awaiting the groom to come, of the husbandmen who were working on leased land. These are all stories of the month of Elul, where men are preparing for the coming of the great King.

One shouldn't look at Rosh Hashana as an isolated event. In fact, it is an opening to a season of worship called "the Days of Awe." These are the ten days from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur. The two celebrations should not be understood as isolated and unique; but exclamations of the same process of worship.

It is said that on Rosh Hashana, two books are opened: the book of life and the book of deeds. In the book of deeds are recorded all the things that you have done. In the book of life is written the names of those who will inherit the kingdom. It is significant that there are two separate books. Access to God's kingdom is not based upon our merit; but what we do is important to Him.

On Rosh Hashana we are placed on notice that Adonai is demanding an accounting of our lives. It is festival of the blowing of trumpets, of heralding the entry of the great King. It is to instill awe and fear into our lives but also reverence and excitement. He is OUR King. He is coming because of US.

One of the traditions of Rosh Hashana is Tashlik, where we symbolically cast our sins into the uttermost part of the sea. Some use stones and some will actually write offenses and sins they have committed on the stones and throw them into the water. Others throw bread, symbolizing that, the waters of forgiveness, sin is utterly disolved and connot be retrieved.

We eat sweet things, traditionally apples dipped in honey to remind of us of the sweetness of a relationship in Him. We sing songs and we blow the shofar.

For ten days we live in expectancy, knowing that Yom Kippur, the day of judgment, is impending upon us. We have been called to the court of the Righteous Judge and we will stand before Him. On that evening, we traditionally dress all in white. We eat nothing. We come to Him in repentance and confession seeking His mercy; yet, when we come before the Bar and raise our eyes to Him, we don't find the accuser nor judgement; but we see our loving Father and standing beside Him is the Messiah, our Deliverer.

This is a very short definition of a lot of very beautiful things that accur for us during this very important season of worship. I definitely would like for others to share their experiences and understandings of this time.

Lashana Tova (Happy New Year),

Mark

[vegangirl]

I have read a lot of what u wrote online.

I just wanted to know how Messianic's celebrate it, I guess the same way as the Jewish people in Israel do.

I am going to celebrate The Jewish new year this year.. vegan style..
I wanted to know step by step how to bring it in and celebrate it.

I have no Hebrew background because who would have known.. I don't even know how I found this fourm, all I know is I was still LDS when I found it in January of last year.. Praise ADONI!

can any one give me a good web site to go to to see how its celebrated step by step..

Thanks peace! bri'gette

[Mark]

I would recommend contacting on eof the Messianic communities in your area and participating as a guest at their events. Since our sponsor for this site is in your area, I would certainly recommend them

www.chavurathamashiach.com/

but I know that there are others in the area which you might prefer for one reason or another. I would not recommend attending different congregations for different celebrations during the season (unless there is an open invitation between them) because their focus and emphasis on the holiday will likely be different. It's sort of like reading two books at the same time, if you're unfamiliar with the subject matter, it could be confusing. And since the Days of Awe are all part of the same celebration, I would choose one and stick with it through that period. If you want to try another group for Sukkot, that would be fine.

It's okay to let them know that you are there just to learn about the celebration. I haven't met a group that wasn't okay with that. It's okay if you want to make it known that you don't want to be considered a prospective member of their group. They are usually used to having curious folk dropping in just to see what is going on.

[vegangirl]

Thank you Mark.

IS it ok just to have Rosh Hashana with my kids an I? Do I have to go to a Messianic communitie?