Feast of Trumpets, 2011

This is a season of favor and forgiveness, growth, maturity, reconciliation with God and man. It is a time of new beginnings.

Listen to the sound of the Shofar!

Traditionally this festival is a time of the creation of the world and the re-creation of man. It is understood that at this time man can experience the newness of creation through his reconnection with God. This renewal process does not occur in some mystical manner--but rather through effort and faith. True change is possible through personal commitment to repentance, learning, and forgiveness.

Repentance brings renewal! As we hear the Shofar, we proclaim, "... Return us and we will return..." (Lamentations 5:21)

Paul brings in the "trumpet of the Lord" analogy for the resurrection of the dead. In 1 Thessalonians 4-5 he is speaking in the context of the future resurrection of the dead. But we can experience this resurrection now by awaking ourselves to our true spiritual realities and also by exhorting others.

He tells us that while we wait for the great trumpet of the Lord we are to "Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Th. 4:18)

What are these words?

• That we are children of light...and to walk it that light. To be awake not asleep. (5:4-11)
• Respect those who labor among you and be at peace with one another. (5:12-13)
• Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all, seek to do good to one another, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks to God in all circumstances, abstain from every form of evil. (5:14-22)

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Th. 5:23)

We are fast approaching the biblical year of 5772. May God bless you. May He strengthen and unite us. May His spirit abound and be evident in us. May He bring peace to our restless souls and may we serve Him unreservedly.  ~Boaz Michael, "Rosh Hoshanah & Admonishing the Idle"


These photos are from our Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets gathering just last night.  The girls were thrilled to be able to be a part of the evening!

Miss Mary is a gentle and patient teacher.  She taught this dance to them just this week.