John’s Sermon Notes
I watched Debbie and Sue going over the end of year financial reports that are submitted to Elim at the end of the fiscal year making sure that every thing tallies and was in order ready for the new year in Elims calendar. October, as such we will have our first leadership meeting on Monday evening to look back over the last 12 months and evaluated and make changes regarding going forward.
The first of January is our physical new year when we look back and we make changes to life and I want to look at Rosh Hashanah this morning as part of our spiritual Journey and things we may need to adjust to get closer to God
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” the festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during September or October.
Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion. It started last Wednesday at ended on Friday
Leviticus 23:24–25:
God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to observe a day of rest and holy convocation on the first day of the seventh month, which is to be marked by the blowing of trumpets. This day is called Yom Teru’ah, which means “Day of the Blast”.
Numbers 29:1:
This day is called Yom Teru’ah, and the Israelites are instructed to observe a sacred occasion, not work, sound the horn, and present a burnt offering.
Rosh Hashanah is a significant Jewish holiday for a number of reasons, including:
Then
A time to reflect
Rosh Hashanah is a day to reflect on the past year and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings.
For now, we are asked to reflect on our lives when we take part in the Lord’s supper 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. For us it’s a daily renewal because new every morning
But today is the day as a church we can put things right before our God
A day of judgment
Jews believe that God judges people based on their actions from the previous year and decides what the next year will be like.
Scripture records several times when God passed judgment on individuals and nations. For example, Isaiah 17 — 23 is a series of judgments pronounced against Damascus, Egypt, Cush, Babylon, Egypt, Arabia, Jerusalem, and Tyre. These localized judgments serve to foreshadow the judgment to come (Isaiah 24 describes the judgment of God over the whole world). Often there is a temporal judgment on sin that occurs in this life, but the final judgment will occur at the end of time. Revelation 19:17–21 records a great battle in which the enemies of God are slaughtered (and this may well be the image that most people think of when they think of Judgment Day). However, this is only a temporal judgment on the people alive at the time of the great battle. The final judgment will encompass everyone who has ever lived and will consign people to their final destiny.
I don’t like to think of it as a day that God judges but a day when he honers our choice not to receive the gift of eternal life bought through the sacrifice of Yashua, Jesus on the cross of Calvary
A time to make a fresh start
Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of the creation of the world and a time to start anew.
In Jesus we have a new beginning, we are born again a fresh start. We are a new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. . ”
Isaiah 65:17-19 – “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
Revelation 21:1-27
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” …
A day of rest
Rosh Hashanah is a holy day when Jews are not expected to work.
The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath” is a quote from the Bible, Mark 2:27, that means the Sabbath was created to be a blessing, not a burden. It is a gift from God to allow people to rest and worship, and to experience a taste of God’s eternal rest and Paradise.
A day to put spiritual things first and the worldly things second a time for gathering together with our brothers and sisters to celebrate and share the blessings that are in every situation although we may not see it at the time but God’s hand is upon us and He is guiding our foot steps to glory
A time to spend in the synagogue
Jews spend a lot of time in the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, reading from the Torah.
1 Corinthians 1:9: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
A time to get closer to each other, a time to lay grievances and prejudice down and lift each other in love but with the same love and grace that is shown to us by the Father.
A time to eat apples dipped in honey
Eating apples dipped in honey symbolizes the hope for a sweet or pleasant new year.
The Bible does not actually mention an apple – early Christian art depicts the Fall of Man by a fig. Christianity likely introduced the idea of the fruit being an apple, in recollection of the ‘apple of paradise’ or when the Bible was translated. In Latin, evil is malum and an apple is called malus. There are some Christians consider eating apples a sin.
So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’” rRev
I think that sometimes the Word of God is sweet to the taste when we hear it but becomes bitter when we injest it into our lives because our lives don’t quit match up and we either have to come in line with scripture or the imbalance lays bitter in our stomach
A time to participate in the Tashlich ceremony
The Tashlich ceremony is a cleansing ceremony where a prayer is said near water to cleanse sins.
Matthew 3:13-17
New International Version
The Baptism of Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Could we pray for each other a prayer of cleansing and renewal, a prayer of fresh starts, fresh insights and new beginnings.
A time to hear the shofar blown
One of the main commandments of Rosh Hashanah is to hear the shofar blown on both mornings of the holiday.
Blowing the shofar declares that the LORD God is the King of the universe, as it says in Psalm 98:6, “With trumpets and the sound of the shofar (וְקוֹל שׁוֹפָר), shout for joy before the King ADONAI (הַמֶּלֶךְ יְהוָה).” The shofar also signals Israel’s glorious redemption during the Day of the LORD (יוֹם־יְהוָה) at the end of the age
So let’s honour our God with shouts of joy from our heart and the blowing of the trumpet and raising our voices in worship to the King of kings and the Lord of Lords.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH NOTES
There’s a rich tradition behind the Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, that marks a period of reflection and renewal in the Jewish faith. This holiday, celebrated on the first two days of Tishrei, usually falls in September or October. You will learn about its significance, the customs you might encounter, and the underlying themes of self-examination and community. From the blowing of the shofar to the symbolic foods enjoyed during festive meals, each aspect of Rosh Hashanah holds deep meaning. Here are 10 key factors that define this important celebration:
Key Takeaways:
- High Holidays: The Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holidays, which include reflection, repentance, and renewal.
- Traditions: Common customs include blowing the shofar (a ram’s horn), eating sweet foods like apples and honey, and attending synagogue services.
- Ten Days of Repentance: Rosh Hashanah is followed by the Ten Days of Repentance, culminating in Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and fasting where Jews seek forgiveness.
Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year, is a significant holiday in the Jewish calendar, traditionally occurring in the early fall. This time is viewed not only as a celebration but also as an opportunity for reflection and personal growth. Here is a summary of 10 key factors concerning Rosh Hashanah:
1. Timing: Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar.
2. Religious Significance: It is believed that God reviews the deeds of individuals over the past year, determining their fate for the coming year.
3. Shofar Blowing: One of the central rituals is the blowing of the shofar, which serves as a call to repentance and self-examination.
4. Festive Meals: Special meals are prepared that often include symbolic foods, such as apples dipped in honey, representing hopes for a sweet new year.
5. Prayer and Reflection: Many Jews attend synagogue services where prayers focus on self-improvement and asking for forgiveness.
6. Tashlich Ceremony: A common practice involves casting away one’s sins by throwing pieces of bread into a body of water, symbolizing the rejection of past misdeeds.
7. Duration: Rosh Hashanah lasts for two days, filled with prayer, feasting, and contemplation.
8. Connection to Yom Kippur: This holiday is linked to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which occurs ten days later, emphasizing the themes of forgiveness and repentance.
9. Community Involvement: The holiday is marked by communal gatherings, fostering strong connections within families and communities.
10. Global Observance: Rosh Hashanah is celebrated by Jewish communities worldwide, each integrating their cultural traditions while maintaining the core religious practices. Thus, Rosh Hashanah is a time of new beginnings, spiritual renewal, and community bonding, offering an opportunity for reflection and recommitment to personal and communal values. Citations: – Jewish Virtual Library. “Rosh Hashanah.” – Chabad.org. “Rosh Hashanah: Significance and Customs.” – My Jewish Learning. “Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year.”
Rosh Hashanah
To understand Rosh Hashanah, you must recognize it as the Jewish New Year, marking a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual awakening. This holiday occurs in the fall and signifies the start of the ten Days of Awe, culminating in Yom Kippur. It is an opportunity for you to assess your life, seek forgiveness, and set new intentions for the year ahead.
Significance and Traditions
With Rosh Hashanah comes the importance of self-examination and the belief in new beginnings. Traditional practices include the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, which serves to awaken your spirit and prompt introspection. Symbolic foods, such as apples dipped in honey, are enjoyed to evoke wishes for a sweet new year, emphasizing hope and positivity.
Celebratory Practices
An vital part of Rosh Hashanah is the gathering of family and friends for festive meals, rich with symbolism. Each dish carries meaning—whether it’s a round challah to symbolize the circle of life or pomegranates, representing the desire for righteousness through good deeds. These practices highlight your connection to your heritage and the importance of community during this sacred time.
Further, engaging in prayer and attending synagogue services are common practices that deepen your spiritual connection. As the shofar is blown, it sends a call for repentance and reminds you to reflect on your actions over the past year. You may also find it meaningful to participate in Tashlich, a ritual where you symbolically cast away your sins through the throwing of bread into a body of water. This encourages you to start fresh and embody a sense of renewal as you step into the new year.
Yom Kippur
If you observe the Jewish New Year, you will find that Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, follows shortly after Rosh Hashanah. This significant day is dedicated to reflection and repentance, where individuals seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings from both God and others. The atmosphere is one of solemnity, and it marks the end of the annual period of introspection known as the Ten Days of Awe.
Observances and Customs
After Rosh Hashanah, you will engage in various customs during Yom Kippur, including a 25-hour fast that begins at sunset. Many people attend synagogue services, recite prayers, and participate in the confessional liturgy known as the Al Chet. It’s common to wear white garments as a symbol of purity and to refrain from work and leisure activities to focus entirely on spiritual growth.
Themes of Atonement
About Yom Kippur’s themes of atonement, you will recognize the importance of taking responsibility for your actions and seeking forgiveness. Emphasis is placed on self-examination, as you evaluate your behavior over the past year and strive to improve in the year to come.
Hence, during Yom Kippur, you are invited to engage deeply with the concepts of forgiveness and personal growth. This is a time for you to make amends, not only with others but also within yourself. By acknowledging your shortcomings and committing to change, you contribute to both your spiritual journey and your relationships. This transformative process reinforces the interconnectedness of community and individual responsibility, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling year ahead.
Shofar Blowing
Your experience of Rosh Hashanah is not complete without the powerful sound of the shofar. This ancient musical instrument, traditionally made from a ram’s horn, is blown during the High Holy Days. The shofar’s distinctive blasts serve as a call to reflection and repentance, marking the beginning of the Yamim Noraim, or Days of Awe, culminating in Yom Kippur.
Historical Context
Across centuries, the shofar has been a central ritual instrument in Jewish life, signifying important events and spiritual awakenings. Its use on Rosh Hashanah can be traced back to biblical times, with mentions in texts such as Leviticus and Numbers, where it called the community to gather for significant holidays. Over time, the custom has evolved but remains steeped in tradition.
Symbolism and Meaning
For many, the blowing of the shofar represents a divine call to action, awakening the listener’s conscience and encouraging a return to spiritual paths. The different sounds produced—teki’ah, shevarim, and teru’ah—convey various emotional tones, from joy to urgency, reminding you of the importance of introspection and renewal.
Understanding the symbolism of the shofar deepens your appreciation of this sacred tradition. The shofar’s sound is not only a reminder of the impending new year but also a clarion call for spiritual awakening. As its blasts pierce the air, you are invited to pause, reflect, and align your intentions with the values of repentance, renewal, and community. The shofar resonates as an ancient call that connects you to the generations before you, bridging time and tradition.
Ten Days of Repentance
Not only is the period of the Ten Days of Repentance significant, but it also serves as a time for reflection and transformation. This span, commencing with Rosh Hashanah and culminating in Yom Kippur, encourages you to evaluate your actions, seek forgiveness, and renew your commitment to a better self.
Overview and Importance
Below, you will find the essence of the Ten Days of Repentance. This period, also known as Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, is vital for spiritual rejuvenation. It allows you to reassess your life choices, mend relationships, and foster a deeper connection with your spirituality, guiding you toward a more meaningful new year.
Key Practices
Repentance during this time involves various key practices that deepen your personal and communal connections. Engaging in prayer, self-reflection, and acts of charity are fundamental components that promote sincerity in your intentions and actions during this sacred period.
Practices such as attending synagogue services, reciting the special prayers of Selichot, and engaging in heartfelt apologies to those you’ve wronged can transform your experience. You might also consider performing acts of kindness and charity, which not only enhance your spirit but also positively impact those around you. Embrace this transformative journey to enter the new year with a clean slate and a renewed heart.
Symbolic Foods
Despite the many customs that accompany the Jewish New Year, one of the most delightful traditions involves the symbolic foods eaten during this festive time. These dishes, often prepared with intention and care, not only nourish the body but also serve to elevate your spiritual experience, allowing you to reflect on the upcoming year and your personal growth.
Traditional Dishes
About the Jewish New Year, also known as Rosh Hashanah, various traditional dishes feature prominently at the dinner table. Among these are sweet apples dipped in honey, round challah bread, and pomegranates. Each dish plays a valuable role in setting the tone for the festivities and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Their Meanings
Symbolic foods serve to express hopes and wishes for the new year. Each item carries specific meanings that relate to themes of sweetness, new beginnings, and prosperity.
And understanding the meanings behind these symbolic foods can deepen your connection to the holiday. For example, the sweet apples and honey symbolize the desire for a sweet year ahead, while round challah represents the cycle of life and the continuity of the Jewish people. Pomegranates are full of seeds, signifying the wish for abundant merits in the new year. Each food not only delights the palate but also enriches the spiritual experience of Rosh Hashanah.
Reflection and Renewal
Keep in mind that the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, is a time for reflection and renewal. It invites you to contemplate your actions over the past year and consider how you can improve in the year to come. This sacred period encourages introspection, allowing you to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses while setting intentions for personal growth. It’s a unique opportunity to start fresh and cultivate a deeper connection to your values and beliefs.
Personal Growth
About your personal growth during the Jewish New Year, it’s crucial to engage in self-assessment and develop a plan for change. You may want to outline specific goals that align with your spiritual journey, emphasizing meaningful achievements that enhance your character. This practice fosters resilience and empowers you to approach new challenges with renewed determination.
Community Engagement
Personal engagement with your community during the Jewish New Year can significantly enrich your experience. By participating in local services or gatherings, you strengthen your connections and support system. Sharing in communal rituals fosters a sense of belonging and creates an environment of unity and understanding as you initiate on this renewal journey together.
This communal aspect of the Jewish New Year reinforces the importance of collective growth. When you engage with others, you not only share your reflections but also exchange perspectives that can inspire new insights. Volunteering or taking part in group activities allows you to embody the spirit of the season and contribute positively to those around you, cultivating a culture of support and compassion.
Final Words
Now that you have explored the significance of the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah, you can appreciate its role in reflection and renewal in the Jewish faith. This holiday invites you to engage in introspection and community, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and new beginnings. You can participate in traditional practices like the sounding of the shofar and sharing sweet foods, both of which symbolize hope and prosperity for the year ahead. Understanding this meaningful holiday enriches your appreciation for diverse cultural observances.
FAQ
Q: What is the Jewish New Year?
A: The Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in Judaism. It typically falls in September and is celebrated on the first two days of the month of Tishrei in the Jewish lunar calendar. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and is a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal.
Q: How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?
A: Rosh Hashanah celebrations include attending synagogue services, where special prayers and rituals take place. One of the key customs is blowing the shofar, a ram’s horn, symbolizing a call to repentance. Families also gather for festive meals, which often include symbolically rich foods such as apples dipped in honey, representing a sweet new year.
Q: What is the significance of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish culture?
A: Rosh Hashanah plays a significant role in Jewish culture as it encourages self-examination and accountability. It is part of a ten-day period known as the Ten Days of Repentance, leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this time, individuals reflect on their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness, making it a time for personal growth and spiritual rejuvenation.
Summary of Key Factors about Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah)
- Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year and is observed in Tishrei.
- The festival symbolizes the creation of the world and is a time for reflection.
- It lasts for two days and includes special synagogue services.
- Key rituals include the blowing of the shofar, which calls for repentance.
- Traditional foods like apples and honey signify hopes for a sweet year ahead.
- Rosh Hashanah initiates the Ten Days of Repentance, culminating in Yom Kippur.
- It encourages self-assessment, reflection, and seeking forgiveness.
- Many Jewish families have personal and communal meals during this time.
- The holiday also emphasizes messages of renewal and hope.
- It invites individuals from all backgrounds to understand its rich traditions.
Citations: – The Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah). (n.d.). Retrieved from [My Jewish Learning](https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/rosh-hashanah-101/) – Rosh Hashanah: An Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from [Chabad](https://www.chabad.org/holidays/roshhashanah/default_cdo/jewish/Rosh-Hashanah.htm)