The Jewish High Holy Days begin at sundown mid-September with Rosh Hashanah commemorating God’s creation of man. Faithful Jews often greet each other by saying “L’shanah tovah,” which means “for a good year.” It also includes the blowing of the shofar and the eating of apples, honey, as well as challah bread with raisons.
Then, the highest of all the high holy days comes ten days later: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when practicing Jews ask forgiveness for their sins against God and against their fellow human beings. Back in the Temple days, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies only on this Sabbath of Sabbaths with two sin offerings: a bull for his house and a goat for the people. The priest would then lay the sins of the people on a second goat, chosen by lot, as the scapegoat and released into the wilderness.
But why are these Jewish holidays important for Christians?
First, it’s a great reminder that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah — the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Unlike the scapegoat, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is good for all time. Second, these holy days out of Leviticus also offer profound insight into the roots of our faith.
On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris is joined by Rich Robinson, Harvey Katzen, and Susan Perlman: three Messianic Jews who tell their stories of faith in Christ against the backdrop of the Jewish High Holy Days — all of which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (Originally recorded for Haven Today in 2013.)
More Related to the Jewish High Holy Days
- Visit the Jews for Jesus website where you can also read the story of how Rich Robinson became a Christian.
- The high holy days are also often referred to as the Feasts of Israel. Haven has a Christ-centered guide to learn how Jesus fulfills each of them that we would love to send you as our thanks for your gift to Haven Ministries.
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