The Two New Years of Judaism

By Michael Weygant

As is so often the case, it's not so simple!

Such could be a comment concerning the Jewish New Year. There are actually two New Year timeframes noted in Judaism. The first, in keeping with the Biblical reckoning of the springtime feast of Passover, begins on the first day of the Hebrew month of Nissan (or Abib).# The other New Year most widely recognized among Jewish people in our day begins around autumn, on the first day of Tishri, the seventh Hebrew calendar month. It is generally believed that a change of commemoration, from the month of Nissan to Tishri was made in the Jewish world in the tenth or eleventh centuries.# What the Sabbath is to the week, the month of Tishri is to the months.

Indeed the first day of Tishri is highly significant biblically speaking# The sounding of the shofar (horn of a ram) ushers in a period of reflection, introspection, repentance and the accepting of the yoke of the dictates of Scripture. Many traditional rabbis even hold to the opinion that the LORD created the world, as we know it during the first week of Tishri. Thus, this 'beginning' of months is sanctified in a unique manner. In some Messianic Jewish congregations, the month of Tishri is a time of intercession for the salvation and well-being of Israel and the furtherance of the Good News to all the nations of the earth.

The shofar blasts of Tishri, piercing and thought provoking, bid us to assemble before the LORD, the Judge of all the earth. The shofar also reminds us that Abraham was willing to offer his unique son Isaac on the altar of sacrifice.# In our day, the blowing of the shofar points to the soon return of Yeshua the Messiah. The current regathering of the Jewish people to the State of Israel is reminiscent of the assembling of the people to a divinely sanctioned convocation, a strong indicator that the Messiah will soon return to earth. At His coming in the air for His redeemed ones, the mighty 'trumpet of GOD' will sound forth.# It is for this glorious moment that every truly born again person, whether Jewish or Gentile, longs with a deep longing. Whether you are Jewish or Gentile, heed the call to individual repentance and reconciliation to GOD through the atoning work of Yeshua the Messiah. It is only when we give our life to Him on a daily basis that we find the true peace and inner fulfillment that we desire. Yeshua is the gloriously simple answer to your heart's heavenward call. So in faith believe and act upon the message of hope given to us through Yeshua. Let Him write your name in the Lamb's book of life.

Happy New Year or as we say in the Hebrew language: Shana Tovah!