How And Why Jews Observe The Feast Of Trumpets

By George Peterson


Most people are familiar with the major Christian holidays. Schools, businesses, and government agencies close down for Christmas, regardless of religious beliefs. There are companies that are closed for Good Friday. There are no official observances, of this kind, for any other religion however. The majority of Christians know very little about other faiths or know why their holy days are as important to them as they are. The Feast of Trumpets is one of those days. Modern day Jews generally refer to it as Rosh Hashanah.

This important day falls on the first day, seventh month of God's calendar. It is the first of the autumnal holy days. Many believe Jesus was born close to this time, and that the Messiah will return to earth on this day. For believers that day marks a turning point in the history of the world. From that time forward, the age of man will be over, and the age of God will begin. Trumpet sounds will blast throughout the heavens, which explains the name.

All work and school activities are put off on this day. If you intend to observe Rosh Hashanah, you probably need to inform your employer if your are working or your teacher if you are a student. You don't need to provide all the details. It is usually sufficient to say you are a practicing Jew, and this is a holy day for you.

Classmates and co-workers sometimes question why Jews are allowed Christian holidays and Jewish holidays, or why they are allowed a full day for a ritual that can fall on a work day. Jews reference God's commandments, made specifically to them, as an answer. On this day all work and other earthly issues must be laid aside. The time is spent considering the things that are eternal and lasting.

All believers are commanded to observe this day wherever they find themselves. It is not a time of prayer only for those who can travel to Jerusalem or are members of large congregations that have elaborate ceremonies to mark the date. People who live in small towns or in areas where there is no synagogue nearby must still take the time to observe Rosh Hashanah.

As stated, this day is observed on day one on the seventh month of the calendar according to God. It is actually the beginning of the new year. In Biblical history this was the day when the farmers had all their crops in and had sold enough of them to surrounding villages and towns that they were able to stop and take time to celebrate the holy day.

This is a day believers can observe wherever they are. God does not command them to gather in Israel, although in Biblical times it was observed in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was first celebrated in the wilderness, but today many go to local synagogues or other houses of worship to have fellowship with believers.

All religions should respect the observances and rituals of others. Tolerance and acceptance are signs of true believers.




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