Dear MJR Friends,

 

The Jewish People are unparalleled in culture and tradition - especially when it comes to time, seasons, appointments and observances set aside to honor the Creator of the Universe, God’s appointed times (Times for God)!

 

Global Judaism, even Persian Jews, are entering into the Fall Feasts, the “High Holy Days", starting with the Rosh Hashanah Feast, the Jewish New Year.

 

It will be celebrated here in America beginning at sundown Friday, September 11th and end on the evening of Sunday, September 13th. Starting on our Rembrance of 9/11, an End of an Era and Beginning of our Awakening!

 

God told Moses in Leviticus 23: 1-2: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them. 'These are my appointed times, the times of the Lord that you will proclaim as sacred assemblies.'" The seven unique periods set aside by God are known as the "Moedim" which translates "appointed times" in Hebrew. 

 

Rosh Hashanah literally means "Head of the Year" and is observed on the first day of the month of Tishrei on the Hebrew calendar. Unlike the secular New Year, Rosh Hashanah is not observed with frivolity and celebration. 

 

It is a Jewish holiday, marked by intense moral and spiritual introspection. A time to take inventory of the life given to them. Because of the gravity, the mood is one of solemnity and prayerful contrition before God.

 

Jewish sages teach that the fates of men are "written" as God judges the World on Rosh Hashanah. These judgements are "sealed" ten days later on Yom Kippur -"the Day of Atonement"- and the holiest Hebrew Holyday.

 

The period between the two Holy Days is known as the "Ten Days of Awe, a chance to Repent and Change. Before, God takes up His pen to write a final from judgement The Book-Bible, The Book of Life and The Book of Deeds.

 

The Rosh Hashanah, morning service, has a most beautiful and moving prayer for the Jewish year. It says, "Today the world was born. Today, in judgement, there stands before You all creatures of the world, as children, or as slaves. If we may call ourselves your children, show us mercy as a father shows mercy to his children. If we are but slaves, our eyes are focused on You that You might have compassion and decide our case in judgement as brightness in Light, awesome and Holy God."

 

This is an "appointed time" when we can join our Jewish brethren in celebrating with a prayer that God will continue to help us - Christian, Jewish the Persian People - to ALL cherish and thank God for the gift of His creation!

 

L'shanah Tovah Tikatevu V'techatemu ,

(May you be Inscribed and Sealed for a Good Year) 

 

David J Sagil, MJR World Dir

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