This article is part of a newsletter written and distributed by Restorers of Zion for Rosh Hashanah 2007. Restorers of Zion is an Israel-based ministry dedicated to serving the Body of Yeshua the Messiah in Israel. As we approach a new year in our walk with God, let us contemplate the words in this article, with our hearts and our spirits.

As Rosh HaShana quickly approaches, I’m thinking a lot about the way Jewish tradition deals with this Biblical feast. It is regarded as one kind of “New Year” (there are 4 in the Jewish calendar), and the holiday has acquired many symbols over time that reflect this aspect (like eating apples dipped in honey, “for a sweet year”). But the Jewish people never lost sight of the original symbol of the holiday according to the Torah: the shofar. In modern Israel, the holiday is still known by the name “Yom Ha-Tru’ah”, literally the “Day of the Blowing” (from Num.10:10). We read that this is a Day of Rest, Remembrance and Blowing (“Shabbaton Zicharon Tru’ah”, Lev.23:24). What was to be remembered we are not told here, but Num.10:10 hints that this ceremonial blowing is not a reminder for us, but for G-d: “…and they [the trumpet blasts] shall be a reminder of you before the L-rd your God; I am the L-rd your God.”

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