Shalom ya’ll
I have been in a creative slump lately. I have lots of ideas for content, but yet nothing for this blog. I figured that since Rosh Hashana (Jewish new year) is quickly arriving I should add something to series.
It might officially begin until September 22, however, Starbucks is selling Pumpkin Spice Lattes so, in my book, fall is here. While coffee plays a huge part in my life during Autumn (which is always a good thing), this is my favorite season.
When I think about the months between September-November I get warm and fuzzy feelings. While there are so many spectacular things about Fall, the High Holy days are my favorite. The Jewish faith is known for their holidays. There are 12 holidays within the Jewish calendar, but this does not include Shabbat (which happens on a weekly basis), or acknowledgment of the new cycles of the moon.
The High Holy Days are Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur. There are 10 days in between the two observances, and within that time we are to evaluate how we have been living and repent.
After Yom Kippur, the remaining holidays in the fall are Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. This time of year is special to me because while I am an outsider for the majority of the year, there seems to be more of a sense of community when the High Holy Days begin, theirs more dancing, praying, and overall joy.
I have shared before being raised within the Messianic movement was difficult. I had a tough time finding where I belonged and this is an issue that many who grew up as I did experience. As I have grown older and wiser, I am confident to say that I know who I am and whos I am. It does not bother me like it once did that my religious viewpoints and convictions make me different from virtually everyone that I am ever around.
The traditional foods for Rosh Hashana are apples and honey. These foods are sweet individually but when they are paired together, they are even sweeter, they compliment each other. I like to think that they could represent the Jews and the Gentiles and how they make a beautiful and complete combination together. I think this combo is why I love the holidays. Throughout the world, Jews and non Jews get together separately, and sometimes together to celebrate the appointed times that are in the Torah. While we may have different understandings as to what the holidays mean to us, we are still celebrating.
I long for the day that we have complete unity with all of Gods people with the Mashiach. I encourage you to be in prayer for the Jewish people as we are officially in the High Holy day season and the future is unknown for many.
L’shanah tovah tikateiv v’tichateimu
lamaleah.com 