Page 101 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies - Textbook w videos short

Dates: anywhere between September 5th and October 5th, the exact Gregorian date changes every year
like the rest of the Jewish holidays.
Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement (Hebrew: yom kippur or yom hakkipurim) is the holiest day of them all, where a
lot of prayer services are held, and the religious ones fast for 25 hours. This one day also intermingles
with an unofficial memorial day to the war that broke on Yom Kippur in October 1973. A common
tradition is asking one another for forgiveness for the sins of last year, and wishing an easy fast (about
60% of Israelis fast on that day, most of them are not religious). Non-religious kids are pedaling bicycles
on the streets.

During the Day of Atonement, all of Israel has a rest day, all public and private services and businesses
are closed, including radio and TV, airports are closed. Public transport does not operate (trains, buses,
taxis), driving a private car is traditionally not allowed so do NOT plan on driving anywhere with your
rental on that day (you may see scarce emergency vehicles). Visitors are asked to please respect others
and refrain from eating or talking on your cellphone in public places.

Date: late September to early October, exactly 10 days after New Year.

Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Tabernacles (Hebrew: Sukkot) is the time to remember how the Children of Israel walked for 40 years in
the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. A lot of Israelis, especially families with children, build a special
tent (Hebrew: sukka) where throughout the holiday period they eat meals, get together and play games
with their family and friends. The day after Sukkot is called Simchat Torah or Shemini Atzeret, when the
reading of the Torah starts from the beginning (and being read entirely during the course of one year).

Sukkot points to the great day when the Messiah returns, establishes His kingdom on earth, and the
world is filled with His presence as the waters fill the seas (Habakkuk 2:14). The theme of life-giving
water is tied to the Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrates the final fruit harvest and ingathering of
crops. Without water, we would never make it to the final harvest. Traditionally, Jewish people even
pray for rain during the festival.

Jesus claims that, when we believe in Him, rivers of living water will flow from our souls! (from The
Chosen People, Volume XXVI, Issue 8, September 2020)

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let
him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will
flow rivers of living water.” But He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who belied in Him were to receive;
for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:37-39)

Don’t be surprised if Jesus returns for His church on or around Sukkot!

It is also called The Feast of Ingathering. The holiday lasts for 7 days, followed by one day of Simchat
Torah.

Date: October, 14 days after New Year.

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