The Third Fall Feast :: Sukkot

I can't believe the third feast is here already.  The time has gone so quickly... I feel like time marches on faster than my brain and schedule can keep up.  But, whether we are ready or not... It's here!

The third fall feast in the countdown is Sukkot, or The Feast of Tabernacles.

The word Sukkot means 'booths'.  It is a seven day feast that reminds us of the provisions that God gave the Israelites when they were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.  God provided booths (shelters) as well as fed them, gave them water and clothed them.

This feast is celebrated in a most unusual way.  'Booths' are built outside to remind us of the temporary dwellings that they had in the wilderness.  Some actually live in these booths for the whole 7 days, but most just eat their meals in them enjoying fellowship with others.

The feast also coincides with the fall harvest.  This time of year overflows with the bounty of the fields and orchards.  Those same fruits are taken to decorate the booths, along with other decorations.

The word for the booth is a Sukkah.  They are decorated and can be modest or elaborate.  They are usually outside, but some choose to build them inside.  I have seen some amazing photos of Sukkahs on Pinterest.  I thought I would share a few with you so you would know what I was talking about.  I will put the link under each picture if you desire to learn more.  I will start with the Taj Mahal of Sukkahs.

Kosher Granola

Tori Avey

Family Holiday.net

The Slutsky Family Blog

The Jewish Hostess

Hoshana Rabbah Blog

Amazing aren't they?  I have to tell you that until a few months ago I had no idea people did this.  No idea at all.  I didn't know about the feasts or their significance.

So, why would we want to go through all of this trouble?  This looks like a lot of work.  I have to admit, that we didn't do one this year, either.  We are still trying to wrap our minds around all of it.

But, as we have been learning, I can see how it would be a wonderful time of reconnecting with the One who gives us all we have.

A time of remembrance of what God has done, an acknowledgment of what he is doing in our lives right now, and the blessings and provisions He said He would provide.

Another thing they do during Sukkot is wave a Lulav.

"The lulav is a single palm branch and occupies the central position in the grouping. It comes with a holder-like contraption (made from its own leaves) which has two extensions. With the backbone (the solid spine) of the lulav facing you and this holder in place near the bottom, two willow branches are placed in the left extension and three myrtle branches are placed in the right. The myrtle should extend to a greater height than the willows.

This whole cluster is held in the right hand, the etrog is held in the left, and the two should be touching one another. Some have the custom of picking up the etrog first and then the lulav–reversing the order when putting them down–because the etrog is referred to before the others in the biblical verse."

The actual bible verse we're looking at for the lulav is in Leviticus 23:40 and it says 

"On the first day you are to take choice fruit, palm fronds, thick branches and river-willows, and celebrate in the presence of Adonai your God for seven days.".  

Taken from My Jewish Learning

I am excited about next year because I will be a little bit more prepared... but I am so thankful for just the small bits we have done this year.  I will leave you with some links if you are interested in learning more... from people that know a lot more than I do!

Even though the fall feasts are over, there is still much to learn.  Consider following this blog either through email or social media.  I would love to hear your stories!

Chag Sukkot Sameach!

Fall Feasts Overview : Sukkot

Hebrew for Christians

What is Sukkot?

My Pinterest: Biblical Feasts

Previous Blog Posts

Fall Feast Countdown :: Get Ready For Next Year

The illustrations for the top picture of this post come from the fun book "The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays"

A Family Guide To The Biblical Holidays :: Book Review

As I have mentioned before, we have been celebrating the fall feasts.  It is all very new to us, but the more we learn and understand, the less overwhelming it has become.

If you would like to view a few of my previous posts, you can take a peak here.  Have You Ever Thought of Celebrating The Biblical Feasts,  The Feast Countdown Begins,  The First of the Fall Feasts :: Rosh Hashanah and The Second Fall Feast :: Yom Kippur.

One of the resources that we have used, and been super helpful is A Family Guide To The Biblical Feasts.  It is a bit pricey, but so worth it.  

The book goes through a biblical perspective of all of the feasts.  It explains the why and how along with tons of activities for you to do with your family or even a Sunday school.  There are lots of printables and some recipes.

This book has become a go-to reference for me when I am looking for an activity, trying to answer one of the millions of questions that come up between my and children and I, and setting up a calendar so I will be ready when the feast comes.

The neat thing about this book is that it also comes with a huge section of unit studies... perfect for homeschoolers.   They cover each feast including Hanukkah and the Passover.  Each study coordinates with the feast.  For example during Passover your unit study would be about Lambs, and during the Feast of Trumpets your study would be about Praise and Worship.

This book has a ton of extra resources in the back including a Glossary of Jewish Terminology.  Below is a photo of some of the flags that we made from the book for our centerpiece during Yom Teruah, also known as Rosh Hashanah.

Whether your wanting to learn more about Jewish culture and their holidays from a social studies perspective, or you are wanting to learn more about God's Word and the importance of the feasts, this book is for you.

I didn't receive any compensation for this review.  Our family has been blessed by this book, and I hope yours will be too.

The Second Fall Feast :: Yom Kippur

We had a wonderful time learning and celebrating Rosh Hashanah last week.  As that first fall feast came to and end it ushered in the time right before the Holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement.

We have not done any crafts or decorations for this feast, as it it is a very serious day.  I sat down to write about the feast, but found myself getting a bit tripped up in the historical as well as biblical importance of this day.  Our friends back home have been studying and learning about the feast, and he is much more eloquent than I.  These words are from our friend Shon:

"Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD." (Lev. 23:27)

Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, begins Tuesday at sunset. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. Jews all over the world will fast going without food and water for 25 hours. Jesus Himself fasted on this day.

Yom Kippur was the only day of the year that the High Priest could go behind the veil of the Tabernacle and enter the Holy of Holies where the presence of God dwelt. He would take the blood of a bull, for his own sins, and then the blood of a goat, for all of Israel's sins, and sprinkle it on the Mercy seat that sat on the Ark of the Covenant. During the second Temple period the blood was sprinkled on a rock that replaced the lost Ark.

The Hebrew word "Kippur" translated "Atonement" means "covering". When you cover something, it is out of sight, but it is still there. You see, the blood of bulls and goats could never take away our sins (Heb. 10:4), it only put them out of God's sight until the only one who could take them away came, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus the Messiah.

Through Yeshua, God took our sins and separated them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He cast our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).

Yeshua is our Atonement. He is our Yom Kippur sacrifice. 

-----------------------------------------------------

I really have loved learning the Hebrew words.  I have sang "Yeshua loves me this I know..." to my children.  There is something special about it.

Take this time to prepare your hearts and minds for Yom Kippur.  Take some time for peace and quiet to respond to God.  I know that I personally don't take near enough time to do this.  I have a million other things to do, a list a mile long, and I forget about the One who truly wants and desires my attention.

I know my children would appreciate a momma who was rested, peaceful and resting in the assurance of God and His love and care.  That same love and care that I can then turn and give to my family and loved ones.

Have you ever celebrated Yom Kippur or the other feasts?  I would love to hear your stories, please leave them in the comments.  If you would like to join the Fall Feast Countdown, it's not too late.  The Climbing Tree blog has been a wonderful, informative resource on the feasts.  Talia and her sweet family, even though I have never met in person, have been very inspirational.  Come join us!

The illustration from the picture above was taken from "The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays."

The First Of The Fall Feasts :: Rosh Hashanah

If you were to ask me what the Biblical Feasts were years ago I wouldn't have really known what to say, except that Hanukkah was kinda of like a Jewish Christmas and you used a Menorah and a dreidel.   That was about it.  My knowledge of the Jewish feasts ordained by God was really zero...   Yikes.

Well, I am happy to report that my knowledge is growing, ever so slowly, but growing nevertheless.  My children are singing songs about Shabbot Shalom and don't jump anymore when they hear a blast on the shofar.  A pomegranate has become an interesting fruit to them and they are actually asking questions with a positive tone.  It has gone from "Do we have to learn about that Jewish stuff again!" to "Would Jesus have done these things, too?"   With which I am able to say, "Yes, He did!"  Which then follows with them telling each other that they love God more than _____. (insert name of sister or brother)

Very cool.

So, what is Rosh Hashanah?

This feast has many names:  Yom Teruah, Rosh Hashanah and The Feast of Trumpets.  Yom Teruah means 'the day of alarm or sounding.'  Rosh Hashanah which means 'Head of the Year' is the Jewish New Year.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.  Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.  Lev 23:23-25

"We can read here that the only instructions given to us for Yom Teruah is to have a complete day of rest and remembering (a shabbat), a holy convocation (a meeting with God) announced with blasts of the shofar (so you should at least hear the shofar blast if you don’t blast it yourself). To not do any ordinary work (this is part of the high sabbath), and to bring an offering made by fire to Adonai (Adonai means Lord in Hebrew) – we don’t bring offerings because there is no temple to bring to them too. It is beneficial to remember that there was an offering on this day though, and to be grateful that Jesus is our sacrifice.  

Certainly Jesus celebrated Yom Teruah each year, as it is a commandment and Jesus kept the Torah perfectly. At his first coming Jesus fulfilled each of the spring feasts (Passover, feast of unleavened bread, and Pentecost), and so we understand that for his second coming he will fulfil each of the fall feasts. We expect that when the Lord Jesus comes again he will come with the sound of the shofar blast, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians. "   Fall Feast Overview

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.   Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  1 Corinthians 15:50-52

As we have learned more about the feast, we are learning about special foods and objects that are commonly used to celebrate and symbolize the blessings we pray for for the coming year.

Apples dipped in honey: they are simply meant to symbolize a sweet new year.  Here is a link for 8 Apple crafts you might enjoy.

The head of a fish: we should be the head and not the tail.  
Pomegranate seeds: our good deeds should be plentiful like the seeds
Shofar: The rams horn will be blown as a 'wake up' to get our attention.  Here is a link that teaches a little bit more about the shofar.

I came across this video that gives the basic overview of Rosh Hashanah.  Liberty had fun watching it with me and saying the Jewish words.  

I know that there is so much more to learn.  But, I know that things take time, especially those things that are truly meaningful.  So, we will continue our walk day by day and verse by verse... allowing God to show us those things in His Word that we may have missed in the past.  

If you would like to read my other posts on the Biblical Feasts click on the links below.

Why Would A Christian Celebrate the Biblical Feasts
Have You Ever Thought Of Celebrating The Biblical Feasts
The Feast Countdown Begins

Follow Sunshine by Channon's board Learning About the Feasts on Pinterest.

Why Would A Christian Celebrate The Biblical Feasts

You may be asking yourself why would a Christian even bother with celebrating the Biblical Feasts.  I mean it is in the Old Testament!

First let me ask you a few questions.  Have you ever gone to an Indian Pow Wow?  What about a Civil War Reenactment?  Maybe you have been to a Renaissance Fair or attended a Festival celebrating the way of life during Little House On the Prairie?  People all over the globe celebrate the Reformers history with children dressing up like Martin Luther.  Have you ever been a part of something like this?  In a month or so children all over the United States will be donning their black construction paper hats with buckles and eating a Thanksgiving dinner.  Why do we do this?

The answer is simple.  We want to get a taste, or experience, of what it would have been like to live during that time period.  It makes the event or time in history more real to us, it becomes more meaningful.  Ask anyone if they feel these types of activities would be beneficial and you will get a resounding "Yes!"

Ok.  What about the Biblical Feasts?  Ummmmmm...... Que crickets chirping.  Well.... that was for the Jewish people in the Old Testament.  We don't have to follow those things anymore!

I understand where you are coming from.  I used to think the same way.  Years ago our church back home was going through a series on the Jewish culture.  We learned about how God wanted the Tabernacle laid out and the specifics of how the priests were to go about their responsibilities.  We learned about all of the pieces of furniture and their significance.  I found it fascinating.  But, it didn't make sense to me that they thought it important to study some of the Old Testament, but not all of it in regards to Jewish customs.   But, at the time it was just a blip on my radar.  I questioned it in my mind, but then went on my merry way.  Fast forward many years.

After much reading, talking, praying and contemplating our family has decided to celebrate the feasts.  We are 'newbies,' but have a true desire to get to know God and His Word better... on a deeper level.  Wanting to make sure we are following all of God's commands, and not just some of them.  By celebrating the feasts we are beginning to get a glimpse into so many things.

Here is a nicely put together list of reasons why celebrating the Biblical Feasts can be a huge blessing to you and your family.

10 REASONS TO CELEBRATE GOD'S HOLY DAYS.

The Hebrew term for feasts or festival is mo'ed: it means set time or appointed time.  Studying the holidays will help you:

1.   Better understand the Bible

2.   Rediscover the Jewish roots of Christianity

3.   More fully comprehend God's plan of redemption

4.   More deeply understand the revelation of Jesus

5.   Get greater insights into God's prophetic seasons

6.   Get clearer and more powerful teachings through visual aids

7.   Discover the Biblical Church calendar

8.   Learn hands-on object lessons to communicate God's love and care to your children

9.   Make wonderful memories that your children will cherish

10. Because it is a blessing to you and your family!

"The Biblical Holidays were instituted by God (all but Hanukkah and Purim, instituted by God's people) as an integral part of the divine worship system of the church (Old and New Testament).  They are not a matter of salvation before God.  They are, as He intended, a remembrance and memorial in honor of what God has done for His people."   - A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays

So, what do you think?  Does it stir something deep inside... or does it seem a bit overdone?   I would encourage all of us to really study and learn what God's word says.  I am amazed at how many things I thought I knew but were actually just a man made tradition.   Whether it was from a sermon I heard, a book I read or something that I misinterpreted myself... my beliefs were just wrong.

I hope this has been helpful to you. There are so many more things I can't wait to share with you.  But, like you, I have children to teach, laundry to do, food to cook, soccer practice to attend... you know the drill.

If you would like to know more check out my previous posts here and here.  I share about the Fall Feast Countdown as well as give you lots of great resources to get you started!  Follow along on Social Media for pictures as well as updates.  Hope to meet you there!

The illustration from the picture above was taken from "The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays."

The Feast Countdown Begins

After many months of talking about the Feasts in our home... the time has come to begin.  Our family is excited, a bit nervous and many of the children are not sure what to expect.  A new holiday to celebrate?  Is this really necessary?  What is wrong with the old holidays?  

Many questions, for them and us.  A wonderful time for our family to come together around God's Word and celebrate in a way that is new to us... but old (and still relevant) to many.  I talked about our excitement here, in this post.  Take a moment and read it if you get a chance.

My husband came across this wonderfully helpful site.   This is where I got the idea for the countdown.  What a great idea!  Many do Advent for Christmas, or a countdown for Easter.  So, to many of you this will be a familiar idea.  But, have you ever done it for the Feasts?  Me neither.

It's not too late.  Hop on over here and get the daily email.  She gives you an activity for each day, as well as a daily email that further explains the significance of the day, the crafts and devotions to go along with it.

So great.  A learning experience for all of us.  My desire is that we grow closer to Yeshua (Jesus), we have a deeper appreciation for the Word and a better understanding of the significance of observing these Holy days.

So, you want to join us?  Please follow along on social media, or following my blog via email.

Follow Sunshine by Channon's board Learning About the Feasts on Pinterest. Follow Sunshine by Channon's board Books About The Biblical Feasts For Kids on Pinterest.

Have You Ever Thought Of Celebrating the Biblical Feasts

Have you ever thought of celebrating the biblical feasts?  Like Yom Kippur, Purim or Hanukkah... to name a few.  What about the Sabbath?  The Jewish people celebrated the Sabbath on a Saturday, not a Sunday as we do today.

There are times when I read the Bible, or hear sermons or commentaries that just don't seem to fit together.  I know that any time you bring up Jewish laws or customs people pounce on you like you were the one at the bottom of the pile with the football in a football game.

I have read the Old Testament many times, as well as heard many sermons preached.  The OT refers to many Jewish customs and holidays.  Have you ever been curious about them?  For many years I have wondered what the Jewish people were really like... how they really celebrated.  I had a hunch that it wasn't the way I had been taught all these years.

I know that Jewish people all over the world still celebrate the feasts and observe Saturday as the Sabbath.  So, if it was good then... would it be good now?

Our family has friends from back home that have incorporated the Biblical Holidays and Feasts into their daily routine.  They have grown in the Lord and His Word as well as gleaning much as a family.

I have also read many wonderful posts like the ones from The Unplugged Family on Biblical Feasts and Holidays.  My spirit became even more stirred.   You see, these thoughts are nothing new for me.  In fact they have been stirring in my head for a few years now.

You see, I know there is more.  I know there is so much to my God and His Word than I have even begun to discover.  And you know what... I want to discover.  I want to discover with my family the fullness of all that God has for us.

I am no longer content with going to church to hear sermons on my lack of service, or my sinful spirit because I didn't bake cookies for a ladies meeting.  I want my children to learn about the richness of scripture, the miracles and the provision of an Almighty Creator.  I want them to know that there are more than 5 stories in the Bible: Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, Jesus' Birth and Jesus dying on the cross.  Don't get me wrong, they need to know those stories... but there is more.  So - much - more.

Sometimes I know my thoughts are jumbled and lack any sense.  But, once in a while I feel like I can see things clearly.  This quote from Robin Sampson sums up my thoughts.

"These holidays are a picture - more than any other subject in the Bible - to teach us historical, spiritual, and prophetic lessons!  It is amazing that most Christians do not know about the "Holy Days" of the Bible, in spite of the fact that these days were celebrated by Jesus, by the apostles (long after His death and resurrection), and by the early New Testament Church - including the Gentile congregation."  

taken from 'A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays'

It always makes me chuckle when I hear pastors say that they want to get back to the way the church used to be... yet there is never any mention of the Biblical Feasts.

So, with all of that being said, we have been reading and studying about how these feasts and holidays actually play out in the calendar year as well as in our Spiritual lives.  We are still trying to wrap our arms around it all, learning a little bit more everyday.

There are three feasts coming up in the Fall: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.  To be perfectly honest, I don't really understand them... but we are going to make a go of it.

So, what do you think?  Would you like to learn along with us?  Have you ever thought about celebrating the biblical feasts?

If you would like to come along with us I have included a few of the resources that we have been using.  The books are shown below.  I am also putting together a Pinterest board.   I am planning on putting together posts and further resources as we go along.  If you would like to receive these posts in your inbox just sign up in the box to the right.  I am looking forward to a great Fall.

Follow Sunshine by Channon's board Learning About the Feasts on Pinterest.


The illustration in the cover picture is taken from the book 'The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays' by Malka Drucker.  This post contains affiliate links.  I earn a small commission if you buy from this site, but it is no additional cost to you.  Thank you.