Making the Most of Rosh Hashanah

In less than a week, Sunday night, September 20th, Jewish people will be celebrating their spiritual New Year - the high holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Ten days later, after the so-called "ten days of awe" they will observe the most holy day of their year, Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement.

There is too much to write about these holidays for this email but they are days that every Christian should know about. They address the crucial topics of God's kingship, His holiness, our sinfulness and the issue of atonement.

It is a magnificent time of year to share the good news of the Gospel with your Jewish friends and colleagues. The message that final atonement has come through the life, death and resurrection of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) is the best news a Jewish soul can receive.

At this time of year, some consider issues that aren't on their minds at any other time.

It is worth the time and expense to buy a package of Jewish New Year cards at a Hallmark card store and send them to Jewish people you know. You can follow up with a statement like this: "I hope your celebration of Rosh Hashanah was great. I'd love to find out about it sometime because my faith is very important to me and understanding Judaism helps me understand my Christian beliefs better."

If you have questions, comments or concerns -- especially if you wonder whether this is appropriate or not -- I'd love to chat about it (rnewman@osf1.gmu.edu).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (Rom. 1:16)

ACTION STEP: Make a list of Jewish people you know and pray for them. Buy some New Year's cards and send them.

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