Happy New Year!

Shanah Tovah! Good year!

What a joyful greeting that we have been hearing a lot lately. Why? Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, is almost here and everyone is excited! This holiday has its roots in the Bible, but is never mentioned by that name. Leviticus 23:24 says "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets." This passage, along with Numbers 29:1-7, describes a time of rest and celebration when the children of Israel were to offer specific sacrifices to the Lord on the first day of the month of Tishri.
Today, this Feast of Trumpets is celebrated universally as the Jewish New Year. Through the process of time, this time of year became the civil new year. The Talmud states "In the month of Tishri the world was created." On Wednesday evening, September 4, Jewish people all over Israel will gather to celebrate the beginning of the year 5774, the traditional number of years since creation. This festive family time begins a solemn time of introspection until the tenth day of the month, Yom Kippur, when they will fast and pray for God's forgiveness.

This Rosh HaShanah will be a bit different for those of us with Baptists for Israel who are in Israel. Usually, our year students are already in Israel but this year they will be arriving just after the holiday. We are excited for the blessings, challenges, and opportunities that are in store for us in the coming year.

Shanah Tovah!