The Wandering Jews (and Gentiles)... Still Wandering
During these hot and humid days of summer, we’re hardly thinking
about the cool comfortable fall. It seems a long way off. But we
need to think ahead. Why? Because the Fall holy days are quickly
coming.
The lives of our people are paced by the haggim, the
holidays—Passover, Purim, Hanukkah, Shavuot, etc. Rosh Hashanah
(1 Tishrei) and Yom Kippur (10 Tishrei) are considered, though,
the High Holy Days, the holiest days of the biblical
calendar.
This year, due to differences between the Jewish (biblical)
calendar and the Gregorian (western) calendar, Rosh Hashanah is
“early,” beginning Friday night, September 6. Because we will be
having a full slate of services, I’ll share a few thoughts with
you to help you receive what God wants to give you during the
High Haggim.
First, did you know that our ancient rabbis chose a series of
seven special haftarah readings to connect Tisha B’Av, the
Ninth of Av (July 18 this year) with Rosh Hashanah? These selections
from Isaiah, called the Haftarot of Consolation, were chosen
to help us recover from remembering the devastating destruction of
both the first and second Temples, as well as many other tragic
events in our history, which occurred on this day.
As we prepare for Rosh HaShanah, in the midst of world-wide, and
perhaps personal, problems; as we prepare to reconsider the Kingship
of our Heavenly Father on the first of the High Holy Days, it’s
especially encouraging to remember that the One who allows challenges
in our lives is also our loving Father—who cares. These
passages from Isaiah remind us that God is with us, even in the
midst of tragedy. They provide consolation.
Another way to prepare for the High Holy Days is by doing a personal
self-evaluation. During Elul, the month before Rosh HaShanah, we
spend each day considering areas of our lives that need work. This is
good to do every day of the year, but having a specified period during
which to focus on our lives, ensures that at least some time is spent
on personal house cleaning each year. On August 3rd, the shabbat
before Elul, you will be given a list of thoughts to help you prepare
for the High Holy Days. I know they will help us grow.
The third way to make this High Holy Day season super is to invite
people you care about to join us for services. You may have family who
have not been to services for years. Invite them. They might find
what we offer to be refreshing. You may have neighbors or friends
who are curious about what you are doing in a Messianic congregation,
and how you worship. Give them a chance to get to know your Emmanuel
mishpachah. We’re worth knowing. Maybe you know Jewish people
who could benefit from, not only these special services, but from
becoming part of our loving community. Don’t deprive them of the blessing.
There are only a few more weeks until the fall holy days are
upon us. Let’s all commit to making this year’s High Haggim
the best ever.
Yours in Yeshua,
Rabbi Baruch (Barry) Rubin
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