Discover the Depth of God's Appointed Times in the Season of Teshuvah
The Fall Feasts, also known as the High Holy Days or Days of Awe (Yamim Nora'im), represent the most sacred time in the biblical calendar. These three feastsโTrumpets, Atonement, and Tabernaclesโoccur in the seventh month of Tishrei and point prophetically to the return of Messiah, final judgment, and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
While the Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost) have been fulfilled in Yeshua's first comingโHis death, burial, resurrection, and the giving of the Holy Spiritโthe Fall Feasts await their ultimate fulfillment in His second coming.
Date: 1st of Tishrei โข Loading...
Theme: Awakening, Repentance, Coronation
Prophetic: The return of Messiah, resurrection of the dead
Date: 10th of Tishrei โข Loading...
Theme: Atonement, Judgment, Cleansing
Prophetic: Final judgment, national salvation of Israel
Date: 15-21 of Tishrei โข Loading...
Theme: Joy, Harvest, God's Provision
Prophetic: Millennial Kingdom, God dwelling with humanity
According to biblical and traditional practices, here are the key elements for observing the Fall Feasts at home:
Biblical Date: 1st day of the 7th month (Tishrei)
Duration: 1 day (traditionally 2 days)
2025 Date: Evening of Sept 22 - Evening of Sept 23
Mother or eldest woman lights two white candles and recites the blessing.
Bless and share wine/grape juice to sanctify the day.
Dip apple slices in honey for a sweet new year.
Share a special meal with symbolic foods.
The Four Shofar Sounds:
Tekiah (1 long blast) - Awakening
Shevarim (3 medium blasts) - Brokenness
Teruah (9 short blasts) - Alarm
Tekiah Gedolah (1 very long blast) - Victory
Blow the shofar 100 times throughout the day
1. Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year): A time of new beginnings and spiritual renewal. Though not the biblical new year (which is in Nisan), it marks the civil new year and the anniversary of creation.
2. Yom HaDin (Day of Judgment): Traditionally, the books of life and death are opened. We examine our hearts and repent during the Ten Days of Awe leading to Yom Kippur.
3. Coronation of the King: The shofar announces the coronation of the King. Prophetically, it points to Yeshua's return as King of Kings.
Micah 7:19 - "You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
Biblical Date: 10th day of the 7th month (Tishrei)
Duration: 25-hour fast (evening to evening)
2025 Date: Evening of Oct 1 - Evening of Oct 2
Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the biblical calendarโa day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. It's the only day when the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for Israel.
The Torah commands to "afflict your souls" on Yom Kippur. Traditionally, this includes:
Note: Children under 13, pregnant/nursing women, and those with medical conditions are exempt from fasting.
Opening prayers, confession, and the Kol Nidre declaration
Morning prayers and Torah reading (Leviticus 16)
Read the entire book of Jonah about repentance and God's mercy
Final opportunity for repentance before the gates close
One long tekiah gedolah marks the end of Yom Kippur
While we fast and pray on Yom Kippur, we do so with the knowledge that our atonement has already been secured through Yeshua's sacrifice. Our observance is:
As believers, we can take communion during Yom Kippur to remember that Yeshua is our atonement:
The Bread: "This is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (1 Cor 11:24)
The Cup: "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Cor 11:25)
Biblical Date: 15-21 of Tishrei (plus Shemini Atzeret on the 22nd)
Duration: 7 days + 1 day assembly
2025 Date: Evening of Oct 6 - Evening of Oct 14
Sukkot is called "The Season of Our Joy" (Z'man Simchateinu) and is the most joyful of all biblical feasts. It celebrates God's provision in the wilderness and the final harvest of the year.
The sukkah (temporary dwelling) is the central element of this feast. Here's how to build one:
Wave the four species each day of Sukkot (except Shabbat):
๐ฟ Lulav: Palm branch - Represents the spine/righteousness
๐ฟ Hadass: Myrtle branches (3) - Represents the eyes
๐ฟ Aravah: Willow branches (2) - Represents the lips
๐ Etrog: Citron fruit - Represents the heart
Hold them together and wave in six directions: East, South, West, North, Up, Down - acknowledging God's presence everywhere.
No regular work, special offerings, festive meals in the sukkah
Continue dwelling in sukkah, daily rejoicing, hospitality
Circle altar 7 times with lulav, special prayers for rain
Separate feast, prayer for rain, begin yearly Torah cycle
The Millennial Kingdom: Sukkot points to the 1000-year reign of Messiah when He will tabernacle (dwell) with humanity. All nations will come to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast (Zechariah 14:16-19).
The Wedding Feast: Jewish weddings traditionally lasted seven days under a chuppah (canopy), similar to dwelling in a sukkah. This pictures the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Living Water: During the Temple period, priests performed a water-pouring ceremony each day. On the last day, Yeshua stood and declared He was the source of living water (John 7:37-39).
Meaningful ways to engage children and create lasting memories
Decorate and practice the different shofar calls!
Isaiah 1:18 - "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow"
Have everyone wear white shirts to remember cleansing
Celebrate with meaningful and delicious traditional recipes
Start with liquids and light foods. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods immediately after fasting.
A festive rice dish decorated with pomegranate seeds, representing the 613 commandments and abundance.
Sweet rolls filled with dates and nuts, symbolizing the sweetness of God's word and the prosperity of the land.