Jewish Month of Tishri

Hebrew (Jewish) Month of Tishri

On the first day of Tishri we entered the Jewish New Year 5778. The number eight speaks of a circumcision of the flesh and a new beginning. Males were to be circumcised at eight days old and eight persons on the Ark passed through the waters of the flood to their new beginning. There is an excitement that something fresh and new is opening in us and creating a door to our future. However, we cannot allow the trials and refining of our last season to rob us of the faith to go through and secure our future.

The beginning ten-day interval between Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is called the Days of Awe (Days of Repentance). When we hear the awakening blast of the shofar at the beginning of the year (Tishri 1) it is to remind us to humble ourselves before our Creator and to honor His son Jesus our Messiah. It is a season to earnestly examine our relationship with God and others so we can submit our conscience to God for cleansing with Christ blood and our bodies to the washing of His words. This time of reflection and return to God is a spiritual setup for the joyous season of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles or Booths) on the fifteenth day of Tishri. Our confidence arises as we celebrate our deliverance and God’s abiding presence with us. May we begin to see the possibilities again and how we can engage in His plans for 5778.