Saturday 16th September 2023
A High Holiday Bible Reading Plan.
Holidays are a big deal to us – whether you live in Israel or anywhere else in the world. No matter what household you grew up in, holidays are likely a part of your annual rhythm. And they often hold some of our most cherished childhood memories!
In Israel, daily life is scheduled around days considered holy. Shabbat determines the weekly cycle, but throughout the year there are many more holidays that the Jewish people have observed since Biblical times to this day.
To get a quick overview of the Hebrew/Biblical calendar, you can read more about it here.
Did you know that the Israeli fall holidays (known as the “High Holidays”) can be found in YOUR Bible? That’s right! And so, they should be important to your faith as well. But many Christians have never even heard about them!
High Holidays Bible Reading Plan
We developed the High Holidays Bible Reading Plan to help guide you through the upcoming holidays just with the use of the Word of God.
The Scriptures will help the holidays come to life for you, while revealing the significance and the deep, profound message embedded in them.
We would love for you to follow along with us as we explore God’s heart for His people, the Biblical Feasts, and your faith together!
And now, without further ado, here is your High Holidays Bible Reading Plan! Read along with us, week by week, as we observe these Biblical Holidays:
Week 1: Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets)
There are actually four new years in Judaism: the civil new year (Rosh HaShana – 1st Tishrei), the biblical new year (1st Nissan when we observe Pesach), and the new year for trees and for tithes.
Week 2: Yom Kippur
The days of awe conclude with Yom Kippur, which in 2023 begins at sundown on Sunday, September 24 and ends on Monday, September 25 after sundown.
This exceptional day was set apart by God already in the days of Moses. The Day of Atonement can carry many names: day of redemption, purification or reconciliation. It points to the final judgment that is to come, following the return of the Messiah.
In this second week of our Bible Reading Plan, read what the Word of God says about Yom Kippur:
Week 3: Sukkot
In 2023, Sukkot begins at sundown Friday, September 29 and ends on Friday, October 6. It is followed by Shemini Atzeret, which ends on Saturday, October 7 at sundown.
Sukkot commemorates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and celebrates the earth’s harvest. God commanded Israel to build and live in temporary “dwellings” for a week, which are also a symbol of the fact that we are sojourners on earth.
But the message of the Feast of Tabernacles is also about the future – the second coming of Messiah. When Jesus comes, He will collect the harvest for the Father’s Kingdom.
In the third and final week of our Bible Reading Plan, read what the Word of God says about the Feast of Tabernacles: