JEWISH FESTIVALS
It’s a wonderful thing to read and learn. But it’s infinitely better to experience things for yourself. Consider this your enthusiastic invitation to join us, and experience Messianic Judaism and the Hebraic Roots of your faith, through celebration of the Jewish Festivals. The Torah (Law) of God is meant to be celebrated. As we observe the Jewish Festivals, we get a clearer picture of Yeshua.
Note: Festivals begin and end on the evenings of the dates listed.
SPRING FESTIVALS (FROM LEVITICUS 23)
Passover (Pesach | פסח)
The Exodus from slavery in Egypt is celebrated. The Israelites are rescued from death by the blood of a lamb, a prophecy of the Messiah’s future sacrifice.
2018 (5778) March 30-31 | 2019 (5779) April 19-20 | 2020 (5780) April 8-9
Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMotzi | המוציא)
No yeast may be eaten, to recall the quickness of the exit from Egypt. Yeshua and Paul both equate yeast to sin; this is a time to remove it from our lives.
2018 (5778) March 31 – April 7 | 2019 (5779) April 20-27 | 2020 (5780) April 9-16
First Fruits (Yom HaBikkurim | הבכורים)
The spring harvest begins, as well as the 50-day countdown (Omer) to Shavuot. Paul refers to the risen Yeshua as the “first fruits” of all who have died.
2018 (5778) March 31 – April 1 | 2019 (5779) April 20-21 | 2020 (5780) April 11-12
Weeks / Pentecost (Shavuot | שבועות)
The Passover Exodus culminates in the giving of the Torah (or Law) at Mt. Sinai. At Pentecost, the Spirit comes to write the Law on every believer’s heart.
2018 (5778) May 19-20 | 2019 (5779) June 8-9 | 2020 (5780) May 30-31
FALL FESTIVALS (FROM LEVITICUS 23)
Trumpets / New Year (Rosh Hoshana | ראש השנה)
The New Year is observed and Creation of the Universe commemorated. The Shofar is sounded, in anticipation of the second coming of the Messiah.
2018 (5779) September 9-10 | 2019 (5780) September 29-30 | 2020 (5781) September 18-19
Atonement (Yom Kippur | יום כפור)
The High Priest enters the Holy Place on this day to offer a sacrifice for the people. The day is foreshadowed when Yeshua will judge and restore the world.
2018 (5779) September 18-19 | 2019 (5780) October 8-9 | 2020 (5781) September 27-28
Tabernacles (Sukkot | סוכות)
Families construct and live in booths to recall the years in the wilderness. Yeshua may have been born on Sukkot. John says he came to “tabernacle” with us.
2018 (5779) September 23-30 | 2019 (5780) October 13-20 | 2020 (5781) October 2-9
OTHER FESTIVALS
Lots / Feast of Esther (Purim | פורים)
Queen Esther saves her people from defeat at the hand of the Persian Emperor.
2018 (5778) February 28 – March 1 | 2019 (5779) March 20-21 | 2020 (5780) March 9-10
Dedication (Hanukkah | חנוכה)
Miraculous military victory and rededication of the Temple. Yeshua observed Hanukkah, calling himself the Light of the World.
2018 (5779) December 2-10 | 2019 (5780) December 22-30 | 2020 (5781) December 10-18