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Why we do not follow the Jewish calendar
We have explained why we follow the Sighted Moon /Aviv Calendar. Judaism today follows the calendar introduced by Hillel II in 359 C.E. Hillel was not the originator of the changes to the calendar. The changes started much earlier. In this article we will explain what these changes are and why we do not follow the calendar of Judah.
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Traditions – good or bad?
It is Friday; the sun is almost setting and a family gathers in their home all dressed up and ready to start their Sabbath celebration. The aroma of the prepared dinner is mouth-watering and the children giggle in anticipation. Mother and Father are getting the last things arranged. Everybody finds their places at the beautifully set table, while mother gets the challah and candles ready. The candles are lit by her while she prays the traditional blessing. The Shabbat has begun…… I have used this traditional Sabbath setting as an example, as it is such a familiar scene, but how are we to view traditions as believers in Y’Shua? Is it good to follow traditions? Some Torah observant followers of Y’Shua condemn all traditions, whether it be Jewish, Christian or something in between. Is this the approach we are to follow? I want to show you both sides of the scale. Traditions are not to be viewed as evil or deceptive in general, although like with so many other things, we are to follow a wise and balanced approach.
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The Prophetic significance of Yom T’Ruah
In the article that we published last year, we covered the all the basic aspects of the appointed time of Yom T’Ruah. We looked at the instructions we received for keeping this appointed time and also touched on some of the bad and good traditions of this feast. In this article we will do a study on the prophetic significance of this day for us as believers in Y’Shua the Messiah. We know that all feasts are a picture of things to come and that the first grouping of feasts (spring feasts) were fulfilled at the first coming of the Messiah. The second grouping of feasts (fall feasts) should therefore give us the picture of Y’Shua’s second coming. As the first feast in this group, Yom T’Ruah should give us some clues as to what will happen during this second coming.
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Yom T’ruah is not Rosh haShanah
During this time of year we hear a lot of discussions as to whether or not we should join in the celebration of Rosh haShanah (Head of the new Year). We all know that Exodus 12:2 specifically tells us that the beginning of the year is in Aviv (spring time). Yet, we hear some very convincing tales as to why the Scriptures actually allows for more than one new year (like we have today – calendar year, fiscal year, school year, etc…) In this article I will proof to you that the Scriptures only refer to one new year and it is not Rosh haShanah on 1 Tishri!
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Teshuvah…Sin takes us away from YHVH, repentance brings us closer
We all sin, no matter how hard we try not to. We are human – we sin in our thoughts, in the words we speak and in the things we do. You don’t have to go far to see the result of sin. In other people’s lifes and even our own lifes. How do we define sin? Sin is not keeping YHVH’s commandments; sin is compromising in doing the commandments; sin is speaking evil of another; sin is thinking evil thoughts; sin is eating unclean foods; to give you but a few examples. Some of these things we do unintentionally, but it still is sin. Sin takes us away from YHVH. It seperates us from His presence, it prevents us from hearing His voice. That is what I experience when I sin or compromise, but there is restoration through teshuvah (repentance) and forgiveness through the atoning work of Messiah Y’shua.
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Feast of Trumpets – Yom T’ruah
What does scripture tell us about the first of the fall feasts? How much of what you have learned comes from men and how much from YHVH? We have mixed commandments and traditions so much that it becomes very difficult to tell the one from the other. As we get closer to Yom T’ruah it is good to look at what YHVH commanded regarding this moed. If we know what is commanded we can determine if the traditions are the rules of men or a valuable teaching aid. Every feast is a rehearsal and an opportunity to learn more as to how YHVH wants us to keep this moed with and for Him. We will also have a look at the prophetic significance of this feast. What does this feast have to do with the second coming of our Messiah?
