Longview United Methodist

Baruch atah Ado-nai, Ehlo-haynu melech Ha-olam (Blessed are you O Lord our God, Ruler of the world). With these words and the lighting of candles 18 minutes before sunset, Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) begins on Monday, 1 Tishri, 5769 (September 29, 2008 Gregorian).

On this night Jews will begin celebrating one of their most important religious holidays. It remembers the creation of the world. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means the “head of the year.” It is also called the Feast of the Trumpets. The blowing of a ram’s horn, a shofar, proclaims Rosh Hashanah, and summons Jews to religious services. While it does have its festive side, Rosh Hashanah is not one big party, as the New Year’s celebrations on Dec. 31 tend to be. Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal introspection and prayer. It begins a time of spiritual growth which culminates on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

Many of the most important Jewish Holidays fall in September and October this year. I will be doing a sermon series highlighting these festivals, their significance for Jews and Christians, and the important spiritual aspects of each of these. Here is a schedule for services in the next few weeks:

• September 28 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
• October 5 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
• October 12 Devi Bhujel a missionary from Nepal will be here
• October 19 Sukkot (Festival of Booths)
• October 26 Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah)

Why would I want to preach on Jewish Holidays you may be asking yourselves? Simply, Christianity is rooted in Judaism. To understand Christ, to understand our faith we need to understand our origins and how, through these festivals, relationship with God is incorporated into the everyday life of the Jewish people.

Shalom,

Jerry