More about high holidays

A teaching of Yom Kippur 5762 (2021) about the impact of the cross on how believers understand and celebrate Yom Kippur.

Snooze U Lose

The shofar of Rosh Hashanah is supposed to be like a spiritual alarm clock that wakens us for repentance. But what if you hit the snooze button? This teaching from the second day of Rosh Hashanah 5778 derives some important life-principles and principles of discipleship from the story of the Akeidah (Genesis 22).

The Book of Deeds

On Rosh Hashanah, the heavenly court opens The Book of Deeds in which every day of your life is recorded. Who wrote this book? How did your signature get in it? Listen to a teaching from Beth Immanuel's first day of Rosh Hashanah 5778 about a biography of your life--your autobiography--written in heaven.

How to Observe Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. It is well known as a day of fasting, repentance, and lots of prayers. But there is so much more to observing Yom Kippur than simply showing up at synagogue and not eating anything! Make Yom Kippur even more special and meaningful this year by plugging into the full Yom Kippur experiences. Learn all about Yom Kippur and its associated themes, practices, and prayers.

The Shofar That Would Not Blow

The Chassidc tale of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and the shofar that would not blow provides us with insights into the coming of the Messiah. This teaching from Rosh HaShanah 2014 looks into the source texts which associate the coming of the Messiah with the sound the shofar and derives a solemn warning for his disciples as we prepare for the high holidays.

Good Intentions

Life is full of good intentions: "One of these days, I'm going to start exercising and eating healthy." "One of these days, I'm going to get my life back on track." Have you ever noticed that "one of these days" never comes? This teaching about the Sabbath and God's Holy Days demonstrates how HaShem's appointed times are designed to interrupt our routine and provide opportunities for self-improvement, increasing godliness, and drawing nearer to God.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

When you look at some calendars you might notice the day labeled “Rosh Hashanah” either in September or early October. This is an important Jewish holiday which comes right from the Bible. It has important and deep spiritual meaning that is relevant to both Jews and Christians

Rosh HaShanah and the Silence in Heaven

On the eve of Rosh HaShanah, all creation trembles in anticipation of the sound of the trumpet of Messiah. Get in the holiday spirit with a teaching from Erev Rosh HaShanah 5775 (2014) based on the words, “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1).

Rosh HaShanah Menu

"Rosh Hashanah Menu" is a lighthearted discussion of the tradition of eating symbolic foods on Erev Rosh Hashanah, recorded in 2008.

Doubling Holidays: Are Two Heads Better than One?

If you compare a modern-day Jewish calendar with passages in the Torah that refer to the holidays (such as Leviticus 23), you will find a notable discrepancy. Many holidays that the Bible seems to say last for one day are observed for two days on the Jewish calendar. Learn why this practice exists and if it is truly biblical.