The Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah in Jewish tradition, marks the beginning of the civil year in the Hebrew calendar. Biblically, it is referred to as Yom Teruah, meaning "day of shouting" or "blasting," and is observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri. This feast is one of the appointed festivals of the Lord, as outlined in Leviticus 23:23-25: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and say, "On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts."'"

The Feast of Trumpets is characterized by the blowing of the shofar, a ram's horn, which serves as a call to repentance and spiritual awakening. It is a time of reflection and preparation for the coming Day of Atonement. The trumpet blasts symbolize the need for God's people to be alert and ready for His coming, as echoed in the New Testament with the anticipation of Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the most solemn and sacred day in the Jewish calendar. It occurs on the tenth day of Tishri, following the Feast of Trumpets. Leviticus 16 and 23:26-32 provide detailed instructions for its observance: "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work... because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins."

On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people, symbolizing the need for reconciliation with God. The rituals included the sacrifice of a bull and a goat, and the sending away of a scapegoat into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin. In Christian theology, the Day of Atonement foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths, is celebrated from the 15th to the 21st of Tishri. It is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest and God's provision. Leviticus 23:33-43 describes its observance: "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days... Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt."

During this feast, Israelites construct temporary shelters, or sukkot, to commemorate their ancestors' journey through the wilderness and God's faithfulness. The Feast of Tabernacles is a time of joy and celebration, reflecting on God's provision and protection. In the New Testament, it is seen as a symbol of the future gathering of God's people and the establishment of His kingdom, as referenced in Revelation 21:3, where God will dwell with His people.