The Christian Jewish Roots预览

Numb.10: 9 clearly says, “When you go into battle sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies.” From reading the Bible carefully we know that during Temple times the shofar was blasted twice each week at the pinnacle of the temple announcing the beginning and ending of the Sabbath.  

Also, it was the sons of Aaron the priest who were called to blow the trumpets and not any Tom, Dick or Harry who ran around blowing shofars. Even around Jericho’s walls it was the priests alone who blew the shofars. In the New Covenant these would be akin to the Elders or Pastors in the congregation. They or whom they appoint should blow the shofar. When ten different people are blowing their shofars at their every impulse during a worship service, it breeds confusion and breaks the flow of the Holy Spirit. 

The New Covenant does not encourage anarchy in worship and emphasizes Holy Spirit flow governed by approved elders. Lastly, it is good to ask ourselves, “If a Jewish unbeliever comes into our meeting, would he be blessed or offended at how we use Jewish symbols?” How sad and tragic would it be that our Christ-like love for Jewish people and Jewish culture could result in offending Jewish people! 

It is good to find out therefore, whether in a Jewish synagogue there is an order in worship or does just anyone blow the shofar in any service? Would you see a female sounding the shofar at an orthodox Jewish Synagogue? These are questions we must consider while using sacred Jewish symbols. 

As the musician prepares to blow the Shofar before the congregation on Rosh Hashanah, this blessing is recited: "Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, asher kidishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu lishmo'a kol shofar." "Blessed are You LORD, our God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to hear the voice of the shofar."

So the blowing of the shofar is an awesome tool and a weapon in the Spirit. But if we do not respect it in the Christian church and have no order or rules on how and when it is used it loses it purpose and power.

Because the Jews want a sweet New Year, they eat apples dipped in honey for this Jewish holiday. In the Bible, Israel is referred to as: "the land of milk and honey".

This signified a land that was bountiful and pleasant. The honey referred to was the honey made from dates. In many parts of the world, it's difficult to find kosher date palm honey. But purists will insist on celebrating Rosh Hashanah with this delicacy.

However, even in Israel today, honey made by bees is the sweet condiment most widely used for dipping apples. The apple trees are laden with fruit for harvesting during this holiday season and the markets are filled with them.

Before they taste the apples they say this blessing. "Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha'olam, borai p'ri haetz."

"Blessed are You LORD, our God, King of the Universe, Who creates fruit of the tree."

After the first slice of apple is dipped in honey and eaten, this blessing is said: "Y'hi ratzon mil'fanekha, Adonai Eloheinu velohei avoteinu, shet'hadesh aleinu shana tova um'tuka."

"May it be Your will, LORD our God and God of our ancestors, that you renew for us a good and sweet year." 

It is customary to have a special dish to serve the apples and honey every year.