Please note that I am NOT an expert on the BIBLE or on any of the BIBLICAL FEASTS, but I know others are feeling led to celebrate the FEASTS as we are, so I am just sharing what we have been learning. This post, like many of my posts, is a helpful reminder for myself and a place to put links that I might otherwise forget about.
Who should celebrate the Seven Biblical Feasts?
Well, that is a debate among many, and I have been doing TONS of research. During that research, I read somewhere that we are not commanded to celebrate them, but we are invited to celebrate them as Jesus did. How would you feel if you had invited someone to celebrate with you and they didn’t show up?
First and foremost, I would say that you need to pray and see if GOD is leading you to celebrate… you should pray about any big changes in direction before heading down a path that life may be leading you down.
Holy Days vs. Holidays
Why celebrate the Day of Atonement?
Secondly, you should do your own research about Sukkot. Find out the who, the what, the when, the where. the why, and the how… all of it! Then you can decide if and how you want to celebrate it. You can start by reading through Leviticus 23.
As I mentioned before, we have already been invited, so I definitely want to celebrate… it would be rude to keep ignoring the invite, and if we don’t go, then HE might invite someone else in our place! This is an exciting time, and I want to show GOD how thankful we are for ALL that HE has blessed us with.
This is also known as Yom Kippur of the Day of Cleansing, we all need to stand before God and confess our sins… we need to remember that no one can be perfect and we all make mistakes. Christ died for us so that our sins would be forgiven… HE was the perfect SACRIFICE.
WHY NOT CELEBRATE?
I can’t think of any reason not to celebrate.
How?
It is custom that the parents will say a blessing over their children on the night before… take this time to express your love and gratitude towards your family. Place your hand on the each of each child and say a prayer specific to that child.
This is different from other holidays as it is meant to be spent with close family… a little more intimate than others. You can use this time for praying and studying the Bible. Many times the story of Jonah is read or told during this time. There is also a custom of lighting candles in memory of loved ones who have passed on.
The day of the holiday is a Fast day**and the money that would’ve been spent on groceries can be donated to a local food bank or such. There are other things that you should not do on certain fast days such as no food or drink, no bathing or washing, no creams or lotions, no leather shoes, and no marital relations.
**Generally, people who are pregnant, nursing, under the age of 13, or who have a chronic health condition that would make fasting dangerous are exempt from fasting.
The Beginner’s Guide to Yom Kippur (Day of Cleansing)
Yom Kippur Scripture Reading List
Celebrating Yom Kippur – The Day Of Atonement – As Christians
You can always start your own tradition like this family did:
Our Erev Yom Kippur Tradition: A Total Blackout
Decorations?
You should set your table with your nicest dishes and a pretty tablecloth for the meal before your fast. I would probably get out the Fall decor and put it up for the Day of the Trumpets and leave it up for the next couple of Feasts.
An Invitation to the Fall Feasts
Autumn Anticipation – Fresh Perspective on the Fall Feasts
Six Things You Can Do To Get Ready for the Fall Feasts
One thing I suggest is that you print out or write your plans and ideas…
Free Party Planning Printables!
It’s ok to start with simple plans or ideas… they often lead to the best memories. You can keep things simple, or maybe you will feel led to do more in the upcoming years… be sure to pray about it!
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You can do all kinds of crafts like:
Nature themed crafts
How To Spend Yom Kippur Day With Kids
Jewish Crafts and Activity Packs – so many!
More ideas can be found here:
Buy Celebrating Biblical Feasts ** –This book has a reading plan, decorating ideas, menus, and so much more!
Holy Days – I LOVE this site!
Easy Fall Biblical Holiday Crafts for Kids (Trumpets, Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles)
Check out our Biblical Feasts Pinterest Board for More Ideas!
What foods should we eat?
The Day of Atonement is meant to be a fasting day but you should a meal in preparation for the fast the night before. You will also have a ‘Break the Fast’ meal for the day after.
THE FIRST BITE: WHAT TO EAT AFTER A FAST
Biblical Feasts: Day of Atonement Menu & Activities
When do we celebrate?
It is a Fall Feast that happens after Yom Teruah and is usually in September or October on our calendars.
I hope this helps inspire you on your journey, as others have inspired me on mine. Will/do you celebrate the Biblical Feasts? If so, what are your favorite traditions or memories?
God Bless!
You can read more about our Biblical Feast Journey HERE:
Transform Your Celebrations: Biblical vs. Traditional
Embracing New Family Traditions in Homeschooling
Here are some other posts that you might find helpful for planning your Biblical Feast celebrations:
Check out our Biblical Feasts Pinterest Board for More Ideas!
Free Party Planning Printables!
Perpetual Menus – with meal plan suggestions for various Holy Days and holidays
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