The Judeo-Christian New Year.
In Judaism Rosh Hashanah also known as Yom Teruah was observed by the 6th century BC and in what is known as post exilic era where Ezra publicly read the scroll of the Torah (Neh. 8:10-11) the essence of the celebration was elucidated up till now.
In 200 AD the word Rosh Hashanah was first recorded in the Mishna (Jewish code of law). Rosh Hashanah means the Head of year which could also mean the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated on the first day of Tishrei which is the 7th month in the Hebrew calendar.
The festival normally falls in September or October of every year. It is a ten-day celebration that culminates in Yom Kippur (Day of Judgement). The Jews consider the ten days indispensable because it is a time of soul searching, reflection of the past, forgiveness and acts of generosity. For this is the Ten Days of Awe or the blowing of the shofar (Ram’s horn). Blowing of the shofar significantly christened the Jews to repentance for it is the Day of Judgement.
Traditionally, the shofar was blown in four perceptible ways. Firstly, tekiah was a long blowing; Secondly the three short blasts sheravim is blown, Thirdly, the nine staccato blasts Teruah is blown and fourthly tekiah gedolah which is a single long wailing is blown. When the blasts are over and the ten days are over Yom Kippur a teshuvah (repentance) is performed.
Another significant ritual performed during Rosh Hashanah is tashlich (casting off) where they toss bread crumbs in the river to symbolize washing away of past sins. Some tribes like the Kalenjin still practice it though they only cross the river (Kioyo bei). Therefore, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are considered the Holiest of the Jewish Holy days.
Modern Jews observe a one day or two-day celebration and no work is done during this period. They attend services in the synagogues and read liturgical texts, perform prayers from Machzor prayer book laying emphasis on the thirteen Attributes of God, sing songs, and rejoice in eating the bounty of the land which God provides (Jehovah Jireh).
Though Rosh Hashanah is not written in the Torah, it is widely taught. In Lev 23:23-25 it is called the Feast of Trumpets and God gives instructions on what to do on this Day (Num 29:1-6). The psalm of Asaph 81:3 says, “Sound the ram’s horn (shofar) at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival.”
There is a need to agree with the Jews, especially Messianic Jews, that this day is worth celebrating. And because our calendars differ, Gentile Christians can do it at every end of the Christian calendar (Gregorian Calendar). The festival carries with it effervescent spiritual information for this ever decaying cosmos. Think about these;
The Blowing Of The Shofar
Significance. It is a reminder of our past sins and the need to repent, and calls for vigilance for the Messiah’s second advent is imminent. Every church/cathedral/synagogue should have a shofar as part of its instruments. It should be blown and let the blast rumble like thunder and lightning! Yom Teruah ( יוֹם תְּרוּעָה), is the biblical name for this holy day which is literally “day of shouting or blasting.”
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. I Pet 5:8.
“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words”. I Thes. 4:16-18.
We Should Read Malkiyyot
Significance: It is reciting verses in praise of God as the King. God is king overall and deserves praise and adoration
“For the Lord Most High is awesome the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.” Ps 47:3-4
“Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.” Ps 89:52
We Should Read Zichronot
Significance: These are verses of remembrance. We remember where God has brought us from since the beginning of the year, and joyfully anticipate where He is taking us moving into the future.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The recitation of prayers and verses for Shofarot which is about blowing of the shofar is to be observed.
Significance: Responsive readings from Bible verses is of importance. As stated earlier it shows a contrite spirit, vigilance and readiness for Christ second coming.
Let us also borrow the liturgical service of the Day(s) from the Jews. The Jews celebrate in the synagogues as follows;
They read the Torah (Genesis 21-22) about the God who spared Abraham’s son Isaac.
Significance: God had mercy on us that we shall not die, for He has given us propitiation for our sins through Christ’s death on the cross (Yom Kippur). Cf John 3:16; Rom. 5:8
Haftarah and Maftir readings: Num 29:1-6; I Sam 1:1-2:10; Jer. 31:1-19. In remembrance of Barren women like Sarah and Hannah who fervently prayed and God answered.
Significance: This is the Day we praise God for who he is and give testimonies about what God has done in the past through faith and hope in Him.
“For the Lord Most High is awesome the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.” Ps 47:3-4
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” Psalm 96: 1-3
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
The Jewish New Year greetings “L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem” (May you be inscribed and sealed for the good year)
Significance: It has a deeper meaning for Christians today. The word “inscribed” and “sealed” meant their names are forever written in the Book of Life as the Lord said to Moses in Ex 32:33, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.”
The Book of life is repeated by the Apostles Paul and John (Phil 4:3; Rev 4:3). Is your name written in the book of life? Burden yourself with these words.
Plan your New Year wisely and involve God for his Grace is sufficient;
“A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!” Proverbs 13:16
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20;4.
“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.” Proverbs 27:23
“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness’ …Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:9-10
It is worth performing Rosh Hashanah in an assemblage of believers every “end of the year” or “beginning of the year.”
Shanah tovah (good year)
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