God's Appointed Times: A Practical Guide for Understanding and Celebrating the Biblical Holidays

Barney Kasdan

Lederer Messianic Jewish Publishers, 1993 / 136 pages

Barney Kasdan is the leader of Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue in San Diego California, one of the largest Messianic congregations in the world.

God's Appointed Times is an excellent and compact volume explaining the biblical holy days from a Messianic Jewish viewpoint. Although this is not a new publication, it is definitely worth adding to your personal library. It is a good reference and tool for sharing with believers and friends who need more information about the "how to" aspects of observing the holidays. After reading it, a Gentile believer may wonder how all of this rich tradition and symbolism escaped them.

The author devotes a separate chapter to the Sabbath and to each of the biblical feasts of Passover, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles. He includes chapters on the minor holidays of Hanukkah and Purim as well. For each festival Kasdan covers its historic background, the traditional Jewish observance, New Testament observance, prophetic messianic fulfillment and provides practical observance recommendations for believers in Yeshua. He also includes recipes, crafts and songs to help celebrate and experience these feasts of the Lord.

Kasdan delivers this wealth of information in an upbeat and personal way. He clearly advocates participation by both Jew and Gentile and proclaims the blessings that are to be received. He also calls for a spiritual appraisal of the holiday tradition, such as Passover's command to remove leaven from our homes: "Remember the symbolism. It is not just spring housecleaning; it is to remind us of our need for spiritual cleansing and repentance. Hence, each time we eat a matzah sandwich during Pesach, we are reminded of the meaning of the holy day. Every time we long for a leavened cookie we are reminded of this great spiritual truth?"

The rabbi closes with "Each feast and festival, each custom and tradition draws our attention to the present redemption in Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God. No wonder the Torah says to "rejoice in you feasts!""

A companion book, "God's Appointed Customs", by the same author, is also available.

Submitted by David Tichenor