Jesus in the Feasts of Israel

An Introduction

De: Sylvan James

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

In this series of short eBooks, the Feasts are examined individually; however, they were knitted into a conceptual framework embodying significant national spirit and experiences. The beginning of the Jewish calendar was Passover which occurred on the 14th of Nisan. It was the spring festival of freedom, which provided the sacred foundation for the entire year and on which the other feasts were built. Passover recalls the formative experience of the Jewish people, how the ancient Hebrews evolved from a disparate collection of slaves in Egypt and became a united people, Israel. Thus, Passover is also about the acquisition of historical memory today of slaves in Egypt long ago, and we all can experience the freedom from slavery. Passover is the Feast observed more than any other by Jews in the world over. As a people, Jews are nothing without this memory. It is the chief educational goal of the Passover seder meal to provide a connection to these memories. It also helps to explain why Jews feel a special kinship with one another because of this shared historical experience.
The holiday of Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which the Bible says took place as the Jews journeyed out of Egypt and away from slavery. Judaism understood the connection between Passover and Pentecost meant the Israelites were freed from Egypt not simply to enjoy their freedom but were freed to observe the words of the Torah.

On Tabernacles, small booths in remembrance of the Israelites dwelling when they journeyed from Egypt. The booths reminded of the dependence on GOD for crops to grow and for our shelter to remain stable. Sukkot, Shavuot, and Passover are the three Jewish holidays called the pilgrimage festivals (so named because when the Temple stood, Jews were required to journey to Jerusalem for their observance, usually by foot). Pilgrimage was an apt metaphor for the Jewish holidays. The Jewish people are directed to walk, and continue, the journey of their ancestors. One must be there at every step along the journey, stopping to participate in its pivotal events to understand them fully. As these core holiday values developed, they made room for new holidays (like Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day and Yom Ha’atzmaut/Independence Day). The Jewish holiday cycle is the methodical and systematic bringing into focus a dimension of living in relationship with GOD. The holidays frame the covenantal relationship which infused every facet of their lives. The rituals themselves shed light on this relationship by giving us concrete forms for Jewish belief, adjusted over time by community custom and the influence of historical events. Holidays accomplish this task in several ways.