Also in this New Jewish year we have celebrated Sukkot. However, there were a few smaller ones instead of one big celebration among family and friends. This went with and without a tabernacle, but a festively set table, with delicious fruit and food, with singing and Israeli dancing in the garden.
The Feast of Tabernacles is the third and happiest pilgrimage festival after Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (Pentecost). The autumn festivals begin with Rosh HaShana 5782, the New Year festival or festival of the shofar blowing on the 7th/8th. September. This is followed by 10 days of reverence, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Great Day of Atonement on September 16th. This time should serve to restore relationships, first with God but also with other people, especially with the closest relatives. The focus is therefore on the search for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Rosh HaShana or the sounding of the shofar indicates the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and judge for all peoples. Yom Kippur points to the salvation of all Israel and finally the Feast of Tabernacles to the millennial kingdom of peace of the Messiah on earth. After the solemn time of trial and turning to God, the Feast of Tabernacles is merrily celebrated with family and friends. The Sukkah commemorates the 40-year desert period of the people of Israel and the fact that we are only pilgrims on this earth. We have our permanent home with Jesus in heaven. The Sukkah is a sign that God wants to dwell among His people, that He has prepared Himself through Jesus. The Feast of Tabernacles is the last great harvest festival in the cycle of wine and fruit harvest and therefore wine and delicious food are enjoyed with rejoicing.