Rosh Hashanah, often referred to as the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in the Jewish calendar. Also known as Yom Teruah, the Day of the Blowing of the Shofar, it is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. From a Messianic perspective, Rosh Hashanah not only commemorates God’s creation but also serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the coming of the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus). This paper will explore the historical and theological significance of Rosh Hashanah, provide biblical references, and discuss why Christians should consider observing this biblical holy day.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first two days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Its origins can be traced back to the Torah, specifically Leviticus 23:23-25 (TLV):
“Adonai spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Bnei-Yisrael, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a Shabbat rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You are to do no regular work, and you are to present an offering made by fire to Adonai.’”
This command establishes Rosh Hashanah as a day of rest and spiritual significance. Historically, it was recognized as the Day of Judgment, when God's sovereignty over creation was acknowledged. Over the centuries, various customs and interpretations developed, particularly during the Babylonian exile when the Jewish people sought to preserve their identity and practices.
During this time, the significance of the shofar (a ram's horn) grew, representing a call to repentance and an awakening of the spirit. In Numbers 29:1 (TLV), we read:
“On the first day of the seventh month, you are to have a holy convocation; you are to do no regular work. It is a day of blowing the shofar for you.”
The observance of Rosh Hashanah developed into a time for self-examination, introspection, and communal prayer, culminating in the Ten Days of Awe that lead to Yom Kippur.
The theological implications of Rosh Hashanah are profound, revolving around themes of judgment, mercy, and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The themes of repentance and renewal are central to this observance. In Joel 2:12-13 (TLV), we find a call to return to God:
“Yet even now,” declares Adonai, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your heart and not your garments. Return to Adonai your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting from disaster.”
This passage encapsulates the essence of Rosh Hashanah as a time for heartfelt repentance, acknowledging that true transformation comes from a genuine desire to return to God.
The blowing of the shofar serves multiple symbolic purposes during Rosh Hashanah. It represents a call to repentance, an awakening from spiritual slumber, and a reminder of God’s sovereignty. The shofar's sound echoes the biblical call found in Isaiah 58:1 (TLV):
“Cry aloud, don’t hold back! Lift up your voice like a shofar! Declare to My people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins.”
This verse emphasizes the role of the shofar as a spiritual alarm, urging the community to examine their hearts and realign themselves with God's will.
Rosh Hashanah is also known as the Day of Judgment, a time when God reviews the deeds of humanity. This theme is prevalent in Jewish tradition and is echoed in biblical texts. In Psalm 27:1 (TLV), we are reminded of God's protection and guidance:
“Adonai is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Adonai is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
This assurance of God's presence provides comfort during a time of introspection. Messianic believers view this season not only as a time of judgment but also as a time of hope, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Yeshua.
For Messianic Jews and Gentiles, Rosh Hashanah serves as a prophetic reminder of the coming of the Messiah. The themes of repentance, renewal, and hope are intricately woven into the fabric of this observance. The shofar's sound foreshadows the future return of Yeshua, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (TLV):
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. The dead in Messiah will rise first.”
This verse connects the blowing of the shofar with the future resurrection, symbolizing the hope that believers have in the return of the Messiah. Just as the shofar calls the people to repentance, it also heralds the coming of God's kingdom.
The Messianic perspective emphasizes the prophetic significance of Rosh Hashanah. The Day of Judgment is seen as a foreshadowing of the final judgment when Yeshua returns. The imagery of the shofar resonates with the prophetic call for Israel's restoration and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In Zechariah 14:4-5 (TLV), we read about the coming of the Lord:
“On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, making a very large valley, half of the mountain moving north and half of it moving south.”
This prophetic vision aligns with the Messianic hope that Rosh Hashanah points toward the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the restoration of all creation.
Understanding Rosh Hashanah's significance provides Christians with an opportunity to engage more deeply with their faith and the roots of their beliefs. Here are several compelling reasons why Christians should consider observing this biblical holy day.
Rosh Hashanah is rooted in the Scriptures and reflects God's covenant relationship with His people. As believers in Yeshua, Christians are grafted into this covenant as outlined in Romans 11:17-19 (TLV):
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became a partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.”
Observing Rosh Hashanah can deepen Christians' understanding of their faith and its Jewish roots.
Rosh Hashanah is a time for self-examination and repentance, concepts that are central to Christian faith as well. The call to return to God resonates with the New Testament's message of repentance. In Acts 3:19 (TLV), we read:
“Repent therefore and turn back, so your sins may be wiped away.”
Engaging in Rosh Hashanah observances can encourage Christians to reflect on their lives and renew their commitment to God.
Rosh Hashanah points toward the coming of the Messiah. For Christians, this aligns with the expectation of Yeshua’s return. The themes of hope and renewal present in Rosh Hashanah echo the promise of salvation found in Revelation 21:4 (TLV):
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will no longer be any death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Observing this holiday can serve as a reminder of the hope Christians have in Yeshua and His ultimate restoration of creation.
Observing Rosh Hashanah fosters a sense of unity with the Jewish community, recognizing the shared faith and heritage. Paul encourages believers in Ephesians 4:3 (TLV) to:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Engaging in Rosh Hashanah observances can build bridges and promote understanding between Christians and Jews.
Rosh Hashanah serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over creation. As believers, Christians are called to recognize and submit to God’s authority. In Psalm 47:2 (TLV), we read:
“For Adonai, the Most High, is awesome—He is a great King over all the earth.”
Observing this holy day can cultivate a deeper reverence for God’s sovereignty and a commitment to His will.
The observance of Rosh Hashanah is rich with customs that enhance its spiritual significance. These practices can be integrated into Christian observances.
The shofar's sound is central to the celebration, signifying a call to repentance and the awakening of the spirit. Incorporating the shofar in Christian gatherings can symbolize the call to spiritual renewal.
Rosh Hashanah meals typically include sweet foods, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. Christians can celebrate with traditional foods like apples dipped in honey and round challah, connecting to the themes of blessing and abundance.
Engaging in Scripture readings focus on themes of repentance, renewal, and God's faithfulness can enrich the observance. These readings include passages from Torah, the Prophets, and the New Testament. They are not all inclusive of what God wants to show you this day.
Rosh Hashanah is a multifaceted celebration encapsulating themes of reflection, repentance, and hope. It serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty, the call to return to Him, and the anticipation of the coming Messiah, Yeshua. As Christians engage in the observance of this holy day, they are invited to participate in a transformative process of self-examination and renewal, ultimately preparing their hearts for the fulfillment of God's promises. Rosh Hashanah marks not only the beginning of a new Jewish year, but also signifies the hopeful expectation of God's Kingdom and the return of Yeshua, our Messiah.