Overview of the Fall Feasts
by Kelly McDonald, Jr.
*Remember that days begin and end at sunset.
Teshuvah – (Starts Aug. 13th 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. Some people extend Teshuvah through the end of Atonement. It is very helpful during this time to slow down and focus our hearts and minds on the upcoming fall festival season. We want to examine our lives to make sure we are putting Him first. (Haggai chapter 1, Hosea 14:1-2, Acts 3:19-21).
**The Feast of Trumpets – (Fri. Sept. 11th at sunset through Sat. Sept. 12th)
Hebrew 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).
Meaning: 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 – (Sunday Sept 20th at sunset through Monday Sept 21st at sunset).
Hebrew Name: Yom Kippur (Day of the Covering)
Meaning: 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 being applied in Heaven to reconcile us to the Father. We also remember that He placed His blood in the Heavenly Temple. The other goat foreshadows Satan and his angels being judged and thrown into the Abyss (Lev. Chapter 16, 23:26-32, Zechariah 13:1-2, Hebrews chapters 6-10, Revelation 20:1-3).
**Feast of Tabernacles – (Fri. Sept. 25th at sunset through Sat. Oct. 3rd at sunset)
Hebrew Name: Sukkot (meaning booths, shelters, or tabernacles).
Meaning: 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 and the saints are seated with Him in positions of authority. 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 – (Fri. October 2nd at sunset through Sat. October 3rd 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. 20:5, 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 – Sept. 11th at sunset through Sept. 12th at sunset**
Atonement – Sept 20th at sunset through Sept 21st at sunset**
First Day of Tabernacles – Sept. 25th at sunset through Sept 26th at sunset
Eighth Day of Tabernacles – October 2nd at sunset through October 3rd at sunset