The Levitical feast of Yom Kippur (known as the Day of Atonement) starts tonight, September 15, the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri) of the biblical calendar year. It is the sixth of seven annual Levitical feasts, three of which occur in the fall. Since ancient times the Jewish people…...
This Hanukkah, What Would the Maccabees Say to Us?
This week we welcome the radiance of Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication described in John 10:22. Annually, Hanukkah casts its faithful glow of heaven’s life-light into our hearts. It reminds us that no darkness can or will extinguish the fire of God’s covenant love. That love burns eternally for you,…...
A Season of Revelation
Counting the Omer
Blessings tonight on Second Passover and Day 28 of the Omer Count! Second Passover (Pesach Sheni) occurs on the biblical date of Iyar 13-14, corresponding this year to May 7-8. According to Numbers 9:6-13, Pesach Sheni was offered to those few Israelites who were unable to celebrate Passover at the…...
Hanukkah’s Inspiration for God’s People Today
Happy Hanukkah as we celebrate the Feast of Dedication with candle lighting, songs and special foods. Amid the festivities, let us remember the real victory of Hanukkah took place when a singular family of priests, known as the Maccabees, inspired a faithful remnant of God’s people to overpower the demonized…...
The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah): Much More than a Dress Rehearsal
The atmosphere in Israel this week is tinged with lively expectancy, despite the drama of political posturing and military threats of Iran. Around the country, preparations are underway for Yom Teruah (Day or Feast of Trumpets), also known as Rosh HaShanah (Head of the Year) on September 30. Yom Kippur…...