An Overview of the Fall Feasts
*Remember that days begin and end at sunset.
Teshuvah – (Sunday August 24th at sunset through Monday September 22nd at sunset) The Hebrew word Teshuvah means to ‘turn or return.’ It refers to the month before the Feast of Trumpets, also called Elul. It is a time of reflection and repentance. It helps us to focus our hearts and minds on the upcoming fall festival season so we can be right with the Lord (Haggai chapter 1, Hosea 14:1-2Acts 3:19-21).
**The Feast of Trumpets – (Monday September 22nd at sunset through Tuesday September 23rd at sunset) This special feast day has a few names: Rosh Hashanah (English: head of the year), Yom Teruah (English: Day of the Shout or Trumpet blast), or Zikron Teruah (English: A remembrance of Shouting or Trumpet Blasting). It commemorates how God brought victory for Ancient Israel in the past at the blowing of the shofar or ram’s horn (such as the days of Gideon). Today, we honor this day in anticipation of the public return of Jesus to judge the earth and defeat the enemies of God (Lev. 23:23-25, Isaiah 27:13, Zechariah 9:14, 14:1-16, Matthew 24:30-31, Rev. 19:11-21). It is also a time for us to remember God’s goodness in our lives through praising and rejoicing (Nehemiah 8:1-12).
**The Day of Atonement – (Wednesday October 1st at sunset through Thursday October 2nd at sunset). In Hebrew, this day is also called Yom Kippur, which means Day of the Covering in English. When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, this was the day when the Israelites’ sins were atoned for or covered through two goats. One of these goats foreshadowed the Messiah Jesus Christ being sacrificed for us. On this day we honor the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus to reconcile us to the Father. We also remember that He placed His blood in the Heavenly Temple. The other goat foreshadows Satan the devil being judged and thrown into the pit (Lev. Chapter 16, 23:26-32, Hebrews chapters 6-10, Revelation 20:1-3).
**Feast of Tabernacles – (Monday October 6th at sunset through Monday October 13th at sunset) This celebration is also called Sukkot in Hebrew, which can mean booths, shelters, or tabernacles in English. In times past, this was a celebration to thank God for the year’s harvest. It was also a time to remember when the Israelites journeyed through the desert on their way to the Promised Land. During that time they lived in booths called sukkot. During this festival, Christians remember Jesus, the Word, tabernacling in a body on earth (John 1:1-3, 14). It is a time to honor His earthly ministry. Prophetically, the first day represents when Christ takes His throne over the world. The entire seven-day feast celebrates the Millennial reign of Jesus when He will tabernacle with humanity in glory (Lev. 23:33-43, Isaiah 4:2-6, Zech. 14:16-21, John 7, Rev. 20:4-6).
**8th of Tabernacles – (Monday October 13th at sunset through Tuesday October 14th at sunset) This was the closing ceremony for the Feast of Tabernacles. In times past, it was the last celebration day to celebrate the harvest. Prophetically, this day foreshadows the Great White Throne Judgment. It is the celebration of God’s harvest throughout human history (Rev. 20:11-15, John 7:37-44, Ez. 37).
**Days with asterisks are Annual Sabbaths. Please talk to your employer or school about having these days off of work.
Annual Sabbaths Review:
Trumpets – (Monday September 22nd at sunset through Tuesday September 23rd at sunset)
Atonement – (Wednesday October 1st at sunset through Thursday October 2nd at sunset)
First Day of Tabernacles – (Monday October 6th at sunset through Tuesday October 7th at sunset)
Eighth Day of Tabernacles – (Monday October 13th at sunset through Tuesday October 14th at sunset)
Kelly McDonald, Jr. served as BSA President from 2016-2023. He presently serves as the Pastor of David’s Tent Christian Fellowship www.davidstentjackson.com.