In the Hebrew Israelite community, our festivals are so much more than celebrations or gatherings. They’re deep-rooted observances that reflect the covenant we share with Yahuah and serve as both remembrances and powerful prophetic markers. Participating in these holy days, from Passover in the spring to Hanukkah in the winter, connects us to our ancestors and fulfills the commands found in scripture. This isn’t just a journey back to our roots—it’s an active reminder of Yahuah’s promises, both fulfilled and yet to come.
We keep our holy days according to the Hebrew calendar, which operates differently than the Gregorian calendar. While there may be slight variations in how the community observes, a general guide is that the spring festivals start with Passover and go until Pentecost, while the fall and winter festivals range from the Feast of Trumpets to Hanukkah.
Let’s walk through each of these Holy Days, dive into their significance, and look at how they’re celebrated, with a special focus on the prophetic meanings of these observances.
1. Passover (Pesach)
Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:1-14; Matthew 26:17-30
Passover is one of the most significant holy days for Hebrew Israelites. It commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, when Yahuah delivered the Israelites from bondage. We remember how the blood of a lamb was placed on the doorposts, sparing the Israelites from the final plague that struck Egypt. It is a time to reflect on Yahuah’s deliverance and the sacrifices made for our freedom.
During Passover, we remove leavened bread from our homes, signifying purity and separation from sin. We share a special meal, which includes lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, in remembrance of that first Passover meal. This day is not only historical but prophetic, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice of Yahushua, the Lamb of Yahuah, who delivered us from sin.
Prophetic Significance: Passover points to Yahushua’s sacrificial death as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. It is a reminder of our ongoing redemption and the coming Kingdom of Yahuah. (See our book, Passover: Mysteries Revealed)
2. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag haMatzot)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:6-8; Exodus 12:15-20
The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows Passover. It lasts for seven days, during which we eat unleavened bread to remember the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, having no time to let their bread rise. This is a time for spiritual purification, symbolizing the removal of sin from our lives, as we strive to live as Yahuah’s set-apart people.
This festival is closely tied to Passover, and together, they mark the beginning of our deliverance. The act of eating unleavened bread is a declaration of our commitment to live in holiness, free from the corruption of sin.
Prophetic Significance: The Feast of Unleavened Bread represents the ongoing process of sanctification and purification in the life of the believer. Just as the Israelites left Egypt, we too are called to separate ourselves from sin. (See our book, Passover: Mysteries Revealed)
3. Feast of First Fruits (Yom haBikkurim)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:9-14; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
The Feast of First Fruits marks the beginning of the barley harvest. It is a time to offer the first fruits of the harvest to Yahuah as an act of gratitude for His provision. As Hebrew Israelites, we honor this day by presenting offerings, symbolizing the first fruits of our labor and our commitment to Yahuah.
This day has great prophetic significance, as it points to the resurrection of Yahushua. Just as the first fruits were offered to Yahuah, Yahushua, as the first fruit of the dead, rose from the grave, assuring us of the promise of eternal life.
Prophetic Significance: Yom haBikkurim symbolizes the resurrection of Yahushua and the hope of our future resurrection. (See our book, What Every Hebrew Needs to Know about Shavuot: -Feast Keepers- Pentecost, Firstfruits, Feast of Weeks)
4. Pentecost (Chag Shavuot)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:15-21; Acts 2:1-4
Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, to some Israelites occurs fifty days after Passover and marks the completion of the barley harvest. To other Israelites it occures 49+50 or 99 days after passover and marks the completion of the wheat harvest. It is a time of giving thanks for the grain harvest and also commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. During this time, Hebrew Israelites gather for a holy convocation and offer two loaves of bread made from the new wheat.
Pentecost has a prophetic meaning for us, as it also marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts, empowering the apostles and the early believers to spread the message of Yahushua.
Prophetic Significance: Pentecost represents the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the gathering of the nations into the Kingdom of Yahuah. (See our book, What Every Hebrew Needs to Know about Shavuot: -Feast Keepers- Pentecost, Firstfruits, Feast of Weeks)
5. Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
The Feast of Trumpets is a day of rest and rejoicing, marked by the blowing of trumpets. It signals the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe, a time of reflection and repentance leading up to Yom Kippur. This day is also viewed as the biblical new year, a time to reflect on the past year and set our sights on the coming year.
For us, it also symbolizes the prophetic return of Yahushua, who will return with the sound of a trumpet to gather His people and establish His Kingdom.
Prophetic Significance: The Feast of Trumpets points to the second coming of Yahushua, when He will return to judge the nations and gather His people. (See our book, The Feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah: An intimate understanding of its true meaning.)
6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:26-32; Hebrews 9:11-14
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for Hebrew Israelites. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, where we seek atonement for our sins and ask Yahuah for forgiveness. The day is centered around the idea of reconciliation and cleansing, reminding us of the need for a Savior who can purify us from our sins.
This day also has prophetic significance, as it points to the final atonement made through Yahushua’s sacrifice on the cross, which allows us to be reconciled to Yahuah.
Prophetic Significance: Yom Kippur foreshadows the ultimate atonement brought by Yahushua, who cleanses us from all sin and restores our relationship with Yahuah. (See our books, The Holiest Day of the Year Yom Kippur: Preparing for the King’s Return and Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement: A Goat Named Azazel)
7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:33-43; John 7:37-39
Sukkot is a joyous festival where we commemorate the time when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters during their 40 years in the wilderness. During this festival, we build booths (sukkahs) to live in for seven days, a reminder of Yahuah’s provision and protection.
Sukkot is also prophetic, representing the future Kingdom of Yahuah, when He will dwell with His people forever. It is a time of thanksgiving, where we offer offerings and celebrate the abundance of the harvest.
Prophetic Significance: Sukkot points to the future time when Yahushua will dwell with His people in the Millennial Kingdom, a time of peace and divine fellowship. (See our book, Millennium & Kingdom Reign SUKKOT: Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles)
Shemini Atzeret (The Eighth Day of Assembly)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35
Shemini Atzeret, which means “The Eighth Day of Assembly,” is celebrated at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It is a separate and distinct day, often seen as a day of rest, where we come together in worship and fellowship. The number “eight” represents new beginnings in the Bible, and this day is a reminder of the final rest Yahuah promises to His people. After the seven days of Sukkot, this day serves as a closing to the festival and as a time for reflection on Yahuah’s provision. It holds significance because it emphasizes the importance of rest and intimacy with Yahuah, being set apart for Him even after the joyous festival.
In ancient times, it was a time when the Israelites would continue to offer their sacrifices and offerings, marking the end of the harvest season and the complete dedication of their lives to Yahuah. Today, we continue to honor Shemini Atzeret with prayers for the coming year, seeking Yahuah’s favor and a closer walk with Him (See our book, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
Hanukkah (The Festival of Lights)
Scripture Reference: John 10:22; 1 Maccabees 4:36-59
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek Seleucid Empire. The Greeks had defiled the Temple by desecrating the altar and forbidding the practice of Israelite’s covenant. When the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough oil to keep the menorah (the seven-branched lamp) lit for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, allowing time for more oil to be prepared.
While not one of the biblically commanded festivals in the Torah, Hanukkah holds great significance in Israelite history. It is a celebration of the power of Yahuah to deliver His people, as well as the triumph of light over darkness. As Hebrew Israelites, we observe Hanukkah as a reminder that Yahuah is our deliverer, and His light will shine in the midst of oppression and darkness. For those that choose to do the lighting of the menorah during this time is a symbol of divine intervention, perseverance, and the victory of faith (See our book, When Did Hanukkah Begin?: The Maccabees & the Feast of Dedication)
Purim (The Festival of Lots)
Scripture Reference: Esther 9:20-32
Purim is the celebration of the deliverance of the Israelites from the evil plot of Haman, as recorded in the Book of Esther. Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, sought to destroy all Israelites. However, through the courage of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai, Haman’s plot was thwarted, and the Israelites were saved. The term “Purim” comes from the word “pur,” which means “lot” in Persian, referring to the lots Haman cast to determine the date of the Israelites destruction.
Purim is a time of joy, feasting, and giving gifts to the poor. For Hebrew Israelites, it serves as a reminder of Yahuah’s protection and providence, even when it seems as though the enemy is in control. It emphasizes that Yahuah works through ordinary people, like Esther and Mordecai, to bring about His will. The story of Purim strengthens our faith in the deliverance and salvation of Yahuah, as well as the importance of standing up for righteousness, even when it requires great personal risk (See our book, PURIM ADVANCED BIBLE KNOWLEDGE, PUR IN THE BIBLE (PUR=CAST LOTS): ADVANCED BIBLE HISTORY THE HIDDEN MEANING OF PURIM, THE MAKING OF A KING’S BRIDE).
Lag B’Omer (The 33rd Day of the Omer)
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23:15-16
Lag B’Omer falls on the 33rd day of the Omer count, which begins during Passover and continues through Shavuot (Pentecost). The Omer count is a 49-day period in which we spiritually prepare for the giving of the Torah. Lag B’Omer breaks up this period as a day of joy and celebration.
Lag B’Omer also celebrates the end of a plague that, according to tradition, affected the students of Rabbi Akiva. This day represents a turning point in the spiritual journey of the Israelites, a shift from mourning and sadness to joy and celebration. In modern times, Lag B’Omer is often marked by remembering the process from
Passover to the Feast of Weeks and the waving of the Sheaf symbolizing the light of knowledge and the joy of Torah.
For Hebrew Israelites, Lag B’Omer serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual education and the transmission of knowledge. It’s a celebration of the understanding of the Torah’s deeper meanings and the continuing journey of learning and growth in faith.
The Prophetic Nature of These Days
Each of these additional holy days has a prophetic significance that reflects both past and future events in the Hebrew Israelite faith. Shemini Atzeret, for example, serves as a reminder of the future rest and peace Yahuah will bring to His people in the Messianic Kingdom, when He will dwell among us forever. Hanukkah is a powerful reminder of how Yahuah has always been faithful to preserve and protect His people, even in times of severe oppression, pointing to His ultimate deliverance through Yahushua. Purim reflects the ongoing battle between good and evil, and how Yahuah will deliver His people from the clutches of the enemy in the final days. Lag B’Omer speaks to the restoration of spiritual knowledge and understanding in the last days, as believers will increasingly understand the fullness of the Torah and its deep spiritual truths.
As we observe these days, we look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of the promises made to the Hebrew Israelites, understanding that each festival carries with it a deep, prophetic message of hope, redemption, and the promise of Yahuah’s kingdom on earth. (See our bundle, Biblical Feast Day Bundle)
These additional holy days of Shemeni Atzeret, Hannukah, Purim, and Lag B’ Omer though not part of the seven primary festivals, serve as integral parts of our spiritual journey, each carrying unique lessons and prophetic meanings. They are more than just historical observances; they are part of the ongoing story of the Hebrew Israelites and our covenant with Yahuah. As we keep these days, we remember not only our history but also our future as the people of Yahuah’s promise.
By celebrating these days, we not only honor our ancestors but also actively participate in Yahuah’s plan for the future. We look forward to the fulfillment of these feasts, as they remind us of our covenant with Yahuah and His faithfulness to us.
Lastly, as a community we do not have a set calendar but if you are looking for a decent one that gives explanation of each Holy day and gives dates of celebration we would recommend using the Hebrew Israelite Radio Networks calendar.
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