What Makes The Feast Of Trumpets Significant

By George Peterson


There are probably very few people who are not familiar with the major Christian holidays. Even non-believers take off from work for Christmas. There are some businesses that close for at least part of a day on the Friday before Easter. Of course members of other religions have holy days they observe, but many people don't know about them or understand why they are important. One such holy day, that is very important to practicing Jews, is the Feast of Trumpets or as it is more commonly called today, 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.

Believers are not supposed to go to work or school on this day. Since it is not an approved holiday on most business or school calendars, Jews probably need to let their supervisors or teachers know this is a religious day they observe. It usually doesn't require detailed explanations. Most people accommodate believers without much concern.

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.

There is no specific location where Jews must gather to observe this day according to the Bible. It was first observed in the wilderness and then later at the Temple in Jerusalem. Believers don't have to fly to Israel though to celebrate the day. Attending services at local synagogues is perfectly acceptable.

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




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