Holy Days (Feasts)

Here is a brief overview of the major feasts:

1. Passover (Pesach)

Leviticus 23:4-8

Commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as recorded in Exodus 12. It is a reminder of the angel of death "passing over" the homes of the Israelites marked by the blood of a lamb, sparing their firstborn.

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread

Leviticus 23:6

Begins the day after Passover and lasts for seven days, as detailed in Leviticus 23:6-8. It commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt in such haste that their bread did not have time to rise. They were to eat bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and separation from sin.

3. Feast of Firstfruits

Leviticus 23:10

Occurs the day after the Sabbath following Passover, highlighting the first fruits of the harvest, signifying Israel's gratitude and reliance on God's provision (Leviticus 23:10-14).

4. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost)

Leviticus 23:16

Held fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, as described in Leviticus 23:15-21. It celebrates the wheat harvest and commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. In the New Testament, Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus, as seen in Acts 2.

5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)

Leviticus 23:24

This feast, detailed in Leviticus 23:23-25, marks the beginning of the Jewish civil year, a day of sounding the trumpet or shofar, calling people to prepare their hearts for the Day of Atonement.

6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Leviticus 16, 23:26-32

The most solemn holy day, occurring ten days after the Feast of Trumpets. Leviticus 16 outlines the rituals performed, including fasting and the high priest entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. It symbolizes God's forgiveness and mercy.

7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Leviticus 23:34

Celebrated for seven days beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, as per Leviticus 23:34-43. It commemorates the forty years the Israelites spent in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, and celebrates God's provision and protection.

Special Note:

We must not forget that we cannot earn our salvation by observing these feasts; however, they do point to Christ the Messiah and His ministry. Though, we do not observe the feasts as they were before Christ's death and resurrection, we reflect through services the significance of their fulfillment symbolically rather than historical observance.