High Holy Days Around the World

The High Holidays are upon us, and what better opportunity to be a witness for Messiah? During this time, especially at Yom Kippur, most Jewish people worldwide attend synagogue services. In the United States, most synagogues fundraise by the sale of tickets to attend services for the High Holidays, which can be very expensive. However, Messianic congregations do not charge for seats, and are open to all. This is an excellent opportunity to share the Gospel with Jews who might attend a Messianic service instead.

Each Messianic congregation is unique, with numerous things affecting this, like their region, number of observant Jewish members, local culture, and the rabbi or pastor. Some congregations are very traditional in their observance of the Torah commandments and liturgy, using traditional Hebrew songs, prayers, and Torah scrolls. Others are more contemporary in style, with services exclusively in English, lively worship teams with instruments, flags, and dance. All, however, are centered around Yeshua, the Brit Chadasha (New Testament), and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through the Messiah.

In Long Beach, California, Rabbi Andrew Goldberg of Beit David Messianic Fellowship has put together his own makhzor (holiday prayer book) for their High Holy Day services. They have a special Erev Rosh Hashanah service with shofar blowing followed by the tradition of eating apples and honey. Kol Nidre (All Vows) will be chanted on Erev (eve) Yom Kippur, and all who are able are encouraged to make a complete fast that day. The main focus of the day will be the sacrifice of Yeshua and the debt He paid for our sins so that we could be reconciled unto Him.