Shanah Tovah Um’tukah!

Shanah Tovah Um’tukah is a traditional Jewish greeting that means, "May you have a good and sweet new year." Today at sundown, our Jewish friends will be celebrating Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which literally means, "head of the year." Originally called the Feast of the Trumpets, the day was instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25 and Numbers 29:1. Exodus 19:13 reveals that the purpose of trumpet blasts was a call for the people to assemble to hear the voice of God (Ex. 19:13). The question remains, Should Christians celebrate Rosh Hashanah? If so, how? There are two ways we can celebrate Rosh Hosannah. First is through introspection. The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are commonly known as the Days of Repentance. This is a time for serious introspection, a time to consider the sins of the previous year and repent before Yom Kippur. A good question to consider to help with this process is, "What is the one thing I want to leave behind as I start anew?" The second is looking forward to a new year where God will not only lead and guide your steps, but also reveal Himself in a powerful way. A popular observance during Rosh Hashanah is eating bread or apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. May your new year be as sweet as honey. Shanah Tovah Um’tukah!