Since ancient times, the Jews have experienced Hashem through the annual events that were prescribed in Leviticus 23. Over the centuries, the rabbis have seen the wisdom of this principle, and added a few memorable practices, as well. Join Emmanuel as we celebrate the presence of the Almighty in the communal life of His Chosen People.

Rosh Hashanah

New Year's Day

A solemn day of rest, memorials, and sacrifices was set aside on the New Moon of the seventh month. Trumpets were blown on this day. In post-biblical times, that day came to be associated with the New Year, Rosh Hashanah, celebrated in the fall.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement

This was an annual day in the fall for fasting and rest (NOT feasting and partying), and atoning for sins. This included careful cleansing of the High Priest, the Tabernacle itself, and the people. Many offerings were sacrificed. It remains a High Holy Day for Jews today, and completes the Days of Awe which began at Trumpets.

Sukkot

Tabernacles/Booths

This was also known as the Feast of Ingathering, Booths, or Tabernacles. It was the greatest of the festivals. For seven days, the Israelites lived in booths or temporary shelters made out of branches and the harvest’s fruit. This reminded them of their desert accommodations and God’s protection when they left Egypt. Even today, many of our people erect a ceremonial sukkah (booth) in their backyard.

Simchat Torah

Rejoicing in the Torah

The final celebration in the fall holydays is Simchat Torah, "Rejoicing over the Law" of God. Some see God’s commandments as onerous, but according to Rav Shaul (the Apostle Paul), "the Law is holy, just, and good."

We rejoice that God chose us to receive his Ten Words and other ordinances, designed to guard and guide us in faith. On Simchat Torah we finish the Torah reading cycle and begin the reading of Genesis anew. We roll the scrolls back and celebrate with great joy.

Hanukkah

Feast of Dedication

Hanukkah is an eight-day festival commemorating the historic victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian tyrant Ahntiochus and his army. Called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah celebrated the miracle of the tiny cruse of oil which burned for eight days and marks the reclamation of the Temple from paganism and Hellenism. Today this holiday represents national liberation and the triumphant Jewish spirit. and it a reminder to us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and need to keep our light, the light of Yeshua, shining brightly to be or laGoyim (a light to the nations) and to am Yisrael (the people of Israel).

Please read the Rabbi's article on Hanukkah and Osama bin Laden.

Purim

Lots

While considered a “minor holiday” by the Jewish community, Purim is nonetheless a time of great joy. Its important message is revealed by the name Purim, literally “lots.” This recalls a time in Jewish history when the “lot” was cast to decide the day of destruction of the Jews. Fortunately, there is a living God who saw to it that this evil plan was never fulfilled. Purim is God’s appointed time to celebrate the protection of his people from the dangers of their enemies. Learn why Purim is a "Holiday of Hope".

Pesach

Passover

Pesach, the second pilgrimmage feast, commemorates the exodus from Egypt. We eat matzah (unleavened bread) for seven days to remind us that we left quickly, with no time for the bread to rise. Pesach begins with a Passover seder, a dinner during which the story of Passover is recounted and symbolic foods are eaten. We invite you to learn more about the traditional and messianic meanings of Passover. Walk with our Rabbi and see Pesach through his eyes and the blessings it brings.

Shavuot

Pentecost/Weeks

One of the three pilgrimmage festivals, Shavuot takes place seven weeks after Pesach, and celebrates the first-fruits of the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah. It also commemorates the giving of the Holy Spirit to the gathering of believers in Jerusalem (Acts 2).