Biblical Feast

 Yom Teruah originates from a tradition where the sounding of a ram’s horn, or shofar, signals a significant moment of gathering and reflection. The term itself means “day of shouting” or “day of blasting,” referring to the loud, clear calls meant to awaken and alert people. It serves as a time for pausing and turning inward, encouraging individuals to evaluate their actions and set new intentions. Beyond just a sound, it symbolizes a call to spiritual awareness, renewal, and readiness for what lies ahead. Its roots are tied to practices that emphasize the power of sound to unite communities and inspire meaningful change. 

Instruction: Leviticus 23:23-25 (CJB)

 23 Adonai said to Moshe,  24 “Tell  the people of Isra’el, ‘In the seventh month, the first of the month is  to be for you a day of complete rest for remembering, a holy  convocation announced with blasts on the shofar.  25 Do not do any kind of ordinary work, and bring an offering made by fire to Adonai.’” 

Additional verses:

• Numbers 29:1
• Psalm 81:3
• Joel 2:15-16
• Isaiah 27:13
• Matthew 24:31
•  1 Corinthians 15:52
• Hebrews 12:19
•  Revelation 8:6, 13; 11:15 

Yom Teruah was established as a sacred time marked by the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn) to call God’s people to awaken, repent, and prepare for God’s coming judgment and restoration. In the Old Testament, the trumpet signaled important announcements, gatherings, and the start of new seasons. Prophetically, this feast points forward to the future return of Jesus the Messiah, who will be announced by a loud, heavenly trumpet blast.

This prophetic fulfillment has not yet occurred but is described in Scripture in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16, where the Lord’s return is accompanied by “the trumpet call of God,” and Matthew 24:31, which speaks of the Messiah gathering His people with a loud trumpet. The Feast of Trumpets serves as both a warning and an invitation to be spiritually alert, to repent, and to live in readiness for Jesus’ second coming. It signals the resurrection of the dead, the gathering of believers, and the start of God’s final kingdom era.

While this prophecy is still awaiting fulfillment, the feast reminds believers to expect a sudden, glorious event that will change everything ushering in judgment, restoration, and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom.

Traditional observation varies between Orthodox Judaism, Messianic Judaism, and Christianity; and these differences should be explored. The following is a simple way to observe at home: 

• Blowing the shofar: The central practice is sounding the ram’s horn several times throughout the day, often in a series of distinct blasts. This serves as a spiritual alarm and a call to reflection.
   
• Gathering in community or alone: People come together or spend quiet time alone for prayer, meditation, or contemplation.
   
• Prayer and reflection: Focusing on self-examination, repentance, and setting intentions for improvement or renewal.
   
• Reading relevant scriptures: Passages from Leviticus, Psalms, or prophetic books like Joel are often read to deepen understanding of the day’s meaning.
   
• Rest and solemn assembly: Many observe the day as a time of rest and a sacred meeting, refraining from ordinary work to focus on spiritual matters.

 The Feast of Trumpets is observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishrei.

2026 observation date:

• Begins: Sundown on Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Ends: Sundown on Monday, September 14, 2026