By Carrie Hart
Special to Acts News Network
The ancient Hebrew sound of the shofar, heard in Israel and throughout Jewish communities worldwide, marks the beginning of the fall feasts of Israel.
Starting with the Feast of Trumpets, which is also celebrated as the Jewish civil New Year (Rosh Hashanah) it signals the future coming of the Messiah both to Jews and Christians alike.
During the 10 “days of awe” that will culminate on Yom Kippur, Israel’s Day of Atonement, orthodox Jews engage in soul-searching and repent for their personal sins.
Yom Kippur is the most holy day of the year and the streets are quiet. Many Jewish people spend the day fasting and praying. It’s a time when the whole house of Israel repents of corporate sins before the God of their forefathers.
Following Yom Kippur is the Feast of Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. For seven days Israelis reflect on God’s goodness as well as pray for protection in increasingly perilous times.
In addition to the ongoing threat of war with Iran, tensions are on the rise within Israel itself. In a highly unusual public statement, the U.S. State Department warned American citizens to avoid Jerusalem’s old city during Sukkot this year for fear of “… spontaneous violence in the form of civil unrest … physical assaults and other crimes.”
In times like these Israelis appreciate the faithfulness of their friends, the thousands of Christians who arrive in Jerusalem each year during the Feast of Tabernacles.
South African tourist Claire Kincaid said she came to represent her country and bless Israel.
“Also (I have come) in fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah (chapter) 14 which says that at the end of the age the nations and the gentiles of the world will come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and to worship the king.”
The Jewish people are also following the Biblical mandate given to them thousands of years ago when they were commanded by God to celebrate the Feast.
Even non-religious Jews admit sensing a special closeness to God during the Feast season. One secular Israeli woman, who had come to the Western Wall to pray, said she felt like crying.
“It is very moving, very exciting because as a human being you are connecting with God in the heavens.”
On the third day of the great feast it is the time of the Cohanim blessing. Jewish men, who for centuries can trace their heritage back to Israel’s priesthood, have come to the wall to offer up their prayers.
In a symbolic act, they hide their faces as they become an instrument of God’s blessing to others. From their lips they chant the Aaronic benediction mentioned in Numbers chapter 6. The prayer shawls covering their heads bring to mind the Lord’s covering over Israel; His Shekinah glory resting on his covenant people.
“It is written in the Bible that God tells the Cohanim it’s a mitzvah (commandment) for them to bless us,” explained a local Israeli who had come to the Western Wall early to secure a good vantage point, before the plaza filled to a greater-than-capacity crowd. “Because (God) wants to bless his children so (God) blesses us (through the Cohanim).”
At a time when the nations are putting pressure on Israelis to divide their land and their capital city Jerusalem, Christians standing with the Jewish people in solidarity are confirming that Israelis are not alone in their quest for peace.
It is a hope they carry in their hearts living in their ancient and promised land.
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