Feasts dates should never be a point of contention or division within the Body of Messiah. The point is to “Keep the Feasts”, for obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). So whether you keep the Feasts according to the Aviv or the Rabbinical Calendar, go out and keep the Mitzvot/commandment to keep and celebrate the Feasts of Yehovah.
Start Getting you Sukkah Plans Started
On Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) we are commanded to build a Sukkah (Booth) using as building materials the “4 species” listed in Leviticus 23:40, also as evidenced in Nehemiah 8:15.
- Rabbinical tradition on the other hand, teaches that a bundle of these building materials must be ritually waved in the air during the festival. Yet there is not commandment in the bible to wave the 4 species. and no where in the bible does it mention using a citron fruit.
- Dates and Olive branches were traditionally used. Sukkot is a Fruit Harvest celebration (Lev.23:39), therefore, decorating with fruit is a tradition.
So what are the 4 Species?
1. Boughs of goodly trees
2. Branches of palm trees
3. Boughs of thick trees
4. Willows of the brook
Leviticus 23:40
2. Branches of palm trees
3. Boughs of thick trees
4. Willows of the brook
Leviticus 23:40
1. Olive branches
2. Branches of oil trees
3. Myrtle branches
4. Palm branches
branches of leafy trees
Nehemiah 8:15
2. Branches of oil trees
3. Myrtle branches
4. Palm branches
branches of leafy trees
Nehemiah 8:15
Celebrate Sukkot
- After Yom Kippur, start building and decorating your Sukkah.
- Camp out in a tent with your family.
- Have a Thanksgiving Celebration. This is also a great time to hold your annual Thanksgiving Celebrations in a Biblical manner. Sukkot is the original Fall Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration!
- Gather around a campfire, as you worship, tell bible stories and enjoy some kosher s’mores.
Counterfeit Pagan Harvest Festivals Celebrated in the Fall:
- Mabon (celebrated on the Fall Equinox)
- Harvest Home (celebrated on the Fall Equinox)
- American Thanksgiving (which incorporates all the pagan harvest festivals.
- American Thanksgiving originated as a three day feast celebrating the slaughtering and victory over the Wampanoag Native-American tribe. For Native-Americans, Thanksgiving is a “National Day of Mourning”.
- Don’t take our word for it… do your research!