Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets

Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets

 

Introduction

Next in a series of Harvests & Celebrations studies is Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets. The details concerning Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets will provide understanding of its significance historically and prophetically.

Signs of the Time

This holy day falls on 1 Tishrei; the seventh month in the ecclesiastical year and the first month in the civil year. In the Gregorian calendar, this day would fall between September and October. Being the first day of the month, this day is always on a new moon. Additionally, in a bountiful year, this holy day takes place when wheat harvest is still being threshed, the ripe grapes are being harvested, and the olives begin to emerge in the flower. While no firstfruits are required for offering on this holy day, scripture shows the spiritual correlation with the ripening olive harvest.

Historical Names & References

There are many names associated with this holy day. Here is a list of them: (Read Verses)

Memorial of Blowing Trumpets

Leviticus 23:24 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation."

​

Day of Blowing

Numbers 29:1 KJV - "And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you."

Day of Your Gladness

Numbers 10:10 KJV - "Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God."

Solemn Day/ Solemn Feast Day

Psalm 81:3 KJV - "Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day."

• “Rosh HaShanah” (lit. “Head of the Year”)

• "Jewish New Year" (The first day of the civil year)

• “Zikaron Teruah” (“Memorial of Blasts/Blowing”; Lev. 24-Heb.)

• “Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets” (Lev. 24-KJV)

• “Yom Teruah” (“Day of Blasts/Blowing”; Num. 29:1-Heb.)

• “Day of Blowing” (Num. 29:1-KJV)

• “Day of Blasts” (Alt. from Num. 29:1-KJV)

• “Yom HaZikaron” (“Day of the Memorial”; culturally applied)

• “Day of Remembrance” (Culturally applied)

• “Feast of Trumpets”  (Culturally applied)

• “Day of the Awakening Blast” (Messianic Christian Eschatology)

• “Yom HaKeseh” ("Day of the Hiding”; Messianic Christian Eschatology)  

• “The Hidden Day” (Alt. for “Day of the Hiding”; Messianic Christian Eschatology) 

• “Yom HaDin” (“Day of the Judgment”; Jewish Eschatology)

• “Day of Your Gladness” (Num. 10:10-KJV)

• “Solemn Day/Solemn Feast Day” (Psalm 81:3-KJV)    

Most notably, the Hebrew name for this holy day is Yom Teruah. In English it is most notably known as Feast of Trumpets. Rosh Hashanah is also commonly used since the day marks the Jewish New Year.

Historical accounts that take place around this holy day and other new moons include: Ezra 3:1-6, Nehemiah 7:73, 8:1-12, 10:33, Psalm 81:3, 1 Chronicles 23:31, 2 Chronicles 2:4, 31:3, 1 Samuel 20:5, 18, 24, Isaiah 1:13-14, 66:23, Ezekiel 46:1, 3, 6, Hosea 2:11, Amos 8:5, and Colossians 2:3. (View Verses)

Ezra 3:1-6 KJV - "1 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. 4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; 5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD. 6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid."

Nehemiah 7:73 KJV - "So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities."

Nehemiah 8:1-12 KJV - "1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them."

Nehemiah 10:33 KJV - "For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God."

Psalm 81:3 KJV - "Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day."

1 Chronicles 23:31 KJV - "And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:"

2 Chronicles 2:4 KJV - "Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel."

2 Chronicles 31:3 KJV - "He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD."

1 Samuel 20:5, 18, 24 KJV - "5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. ... 18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. ... 24 So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat."

Isaiah 1:13-14 KJV - "13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them."

Isaiah 66:23 KJV - "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."

Ezekiel 46:1, 3, 6 KJV - "1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. ... 3 Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons. ... 6 And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish."

Hosea 2:11 KJV - "I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts."

Amos 8:5 KJV - "Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?"

Colossians 2:3 KJV - "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Ancient Ordinance

God commanded his people to keep a memorial of blowing of trumpets.

Leviticus 23:24 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation."

Numbers 29:1 KJV - "And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you."

Historical Observance

Ancient Observance

It wasn’t until after the Babylonian exile that the first day of the seventh month became known as Tishrei. While there are no detailed instructions in scripture concerning the convocation or manner of blowing the trumpets, a few observance details can be found:

Leviticus 23:24-25 KJV - "24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. 25 Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."

Numbers 29:1-6 KJV - "1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. 2 And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 3 And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram, 4 And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: 5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: 6 Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD."

Numbers 10:10 KJV - "Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God."

Psalm 81:3 KJV - "Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day."

This day is one of the two “High Holy Days”. Since Yom Teruah falls on a new moon and can also occur on a Sabbath, up to four types of offerings were made; these included the daily offering (Num. 28:3-8), the Sabbath day offering (Num. 25:9-10), the new moon offering (Num. 28:11-15), and the holy day offering (Num. 28:16-31, 29:2-6).

The High Holy Days/ Days of Awe

The High Holy days derived from the Hebrew word “Yamim Noraim”; which means “Days of Awe” It includes the holy day Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”). Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th of Tishrei. The Days of Awe have been made to include the days in between the two holy days; thus connecting the two holy days together for one long observance. This is what is commonly known as “the 10 Days of Awe”.

It was later extended to connect the 30 days of the month prior (Elul) to create a 40 day observance in relation to the number of days Moses spent on Mount Sinai.

These days are observed as a time of “teshuvah” (“repentance” or “returning”). It is a time of introspection and thoughts concerning the morality of one's choices over the past year.

Many people look at these days as one being summoned to court and judged by God.  It is believed, however, that their fate does not become sealed until Yom Kippur and that they have 10 days to get things right. While there is a feeling of somberness and anticipation, there is a sense of peace knowing that God is also their father and that he is also loving and forgiving. Many take this time to not only ask for forgiveness from God, but to also seek forgiveness with others that they have wronged.

Traditional Judaic Beliefs & Practices

Several beliefs and practices have been adopted as Judaic tradition, as they have been around longer than others and are widely accepted. These include the sounding of the shofar (Ram’s Horn), Akedah (‘the binding”), and HaMelech (“the king”).

SOUNDING THE SHOFAR

While teshuvah (“repentance” or “returning”) is practiced anywhere from 10 to 40 days, it is specifically done on the first of Tishrei; especially during the sounding of the shofar.

There are three types of blasts made with the shofar and each blast is made with one breath. The sounds vary from one another in each blast and hold different symbolic meanings. They are outlined here:

1. Tekiah (“Blast”)

   1. One long Straight Sound

   2. A cry out to God and calling on God to remember his people

   3. Also an act of remembering God

2. Shevarim (“Broken”)

   1. Three Short Sounds

   2. Crying out to God

   3. An awakening oneself to their sin

3. Teruah (“alarm”)

   1. Nine Quick Sounds

   2. Crying out in repentance

   3. Asking for mercy and forgiveness

These three styles of blasts are paired up in three different sets in order to ensure the fulfillment of the commandments in the Torah. They are blown in the following order.

1. Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, Tekiah

   1. 4 Blasts/14 Sounds

2. Tekiah, Shevarim, Tekiah

   1. 3 Blasts/5 Sounds

3. Tekiah, Teruah, Tekiah

   1. 3 Blasts/11 Sounds

In the third combination, the last Tekiah is called the Tekiah Gedolah, or the “great blast”. It is also referred to as the last trump. It is the longest blast on the shofar and becomes louder and louder until complete. The most common tradition asserts that these three sets of 10 blasts are played together as one group of 30 blasts/90 sounds. Each group is played at three different times throughout the day on the Feast of Trumpets, with one last set of ten blasts blown at the end; resulting in 100 blasts, or 300 Sounds. Some services differ on how the 100 sounds are arranged.

In Sephardic Jewish tradition, the shofar is sounded 101 times in relation to the 100 cries of the mother of Sisera in Judges 5. It is said that the extra shofar sound is done for the mourning of a woman weeping over her own son. (View Judges 5:28)

Judges 5:28 KJV - "The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?"

​When the shofar is blown, many recall scriptures of God’s promises to remember His people. For example, Numbers 10:9 provides hope that sounding an alarm with the shofar will result in being remembered.

​AKEDAH (“The Binding”)

It is believed by many that the binding of Isaac occurred on the first of Tishrei. This story, as shown in a later section, is read during the synagogue service. Observers recall God’s love and blessings for being obedient.

​HAMELECH (“The King”)

Another major theme during the Feast of Trumpets is crowning God as King and humbling oneself to be subservient to Him. During the synagogue service many songs and prayers pertaining to God as sovereign king are recited.

Added Judaic Beliefs & Practices

There are additional beliefs and practices that have been added to the observance of Yom Teruah overtime. Though not as traditional, they include: the Day of Creation, Tashlikh, Opening the Gates, and Judgment Day:

Day of Creation

In Judaic tradition, many believe that the first of Tishrei is the day of creation and many commemorate it as such. There is no evidence for this other than the date is suggested in the Talmud (a collection of Jewish writings). The Mishnah (the Jewish written oral tradition), on the other hand, suggests that creation was six days before the first of Tishrei; making it that man was created on the first day instead. It is claimed that by taking the first Hebrew word of the bible (“bereshit”; lit. “In Beginning”) and transposing its letters, it reads “aleph b’tishri” (“first of Tishri”). As believable as this is to some, the name Tishrei is an Akkadian/Babylonian name, which beforehand, was called Ethanim (1st Kings 8:2) and earlier than that was simply referred to as the number of the month; thus, others may question why the Babylonian name.

Tashlikh

Tashlikh is a Judaic tradition practiced mainly by Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews. The practice involves standing near a flowing body of water like a stream and reciting prayers and scriptures such as Psalms 118:5-9, Psalms 121, Psalms 130, and Isaiah 11:9. Afterwards, pieces of bread or small rocks are thrown into and carried away by the water; representing a person’s sins being cast off. This practice is usually done independently, but is also performed in groups. Tashlikh can take place in between services, in the afternoon, or on the first day of Yom Teruah. It can also take place after a daylong Yom Teruah service. Since it is forbidden for partakers to carry bread on the Sabbath day, if the first day of Yom Teruah falls on a weekly Sabbath, the practice is carried out on the following day. For some, it is said that this practice can be done up until the last day of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). While not given as a biblical command, the tradition was developed from Micah 7:18-20.

Opening the Gates

In Judaic tradition, many believe in that Yom Teruah is the day that the gates of heaven are open, that God may hear their supplication and whatever a person does during the time that the gates are open determine what their next year will be like for them. That is to say, if the person is righteous, they will have a blessed year, but if they have not repented, they will see judgment. Furthermore, one of the pleas is that they be sealed in the book of life.

Judgment Day

In Judaism many believe Yom Teruah is the “Yom HaDin” (“Day of the Judgment”). According to this belief, it is said that on Yom Teruah, every person is judged and it is decided, not only whether or not a person lives another year, but also where they will live in eternity. It is believed that by practicing all the commandments, a person will be guaranteed an eternal afterlife in the new world to come. It is also believed that this is the same day that the dead will be resurrected and that the dead will be divided into three groups; namely the wicked, the righteous, and those that are not fully wicked. While the wicked are said to be “blotted out” of the book of life and the righteous written in the book of life, those that fall in the middle are reportedly given the ten days until Yom Kippur to repent. This eschatological belief is not found in the Torah, the bible, or any other ancient writings. Rather, it has been ascribed that the first known reference to this type of Day of Judgment is found in the Mishnah (collection of Judaic oral tradition).

Post Temple Observances

Post Temple Judaic Observance

While the bible only commanded one day for a memorial, after the destruction of the second temple, the Yom Teruah was extended to two days. This was done because of the struggle to determine the actual date of the new moon. Recall, from “Times & Seasons”, how it was important to watch the heavenly signs so not to miss meeting with God on his appointed feast days.  Since Yom Teruah is the only appointed day that falls on a new moon, it required a careful eye to accurately declare it. To prevent observing the wrong day, on the evening of the 29th of Elul, it was assumed that the following day would be the first of Tishrei. If they later found that the first of Tishrei wasn’t until another day later, the people would declare and celebrate it again. Since this is known to be the start of ten days of repentance, there is a custom to fast; especially the eve prior to the day. This was not a requirement though and many continue to observe the feast celebration. For those who participate, it is a full schedule of preparations, celebrating, blessings, candle-lighting, eating, praying, repenting, giving thanks, attending synagogue services, reading the Torah, blowing the shofar, and more.

View an outline of traditional observance activities that takes place on this day. 

Holiday Preparations

The days leading up to and through the Feast of Trumpets are spent by many in reflection of their past years’ choices.

In preparation for the holiday, there is a custom of renewing oneself and family; this may include shopping for new clothes and getting haircuts. It is said that “a husband must buy new clothing or jewelry for his wife”. Children get new things as well and get to enjoy sweet goodies. Some homes may also undergo a deep cleaning during this time.

Many spend the day of focusing on repenting from their sins and make new year resolutions. While a somber day for some, this day is joyous for others.

The Feast Celebration

The fellowship starts with the greeting and blessing of one another, including:

“L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu Veteichateim”

“May your name be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”

“L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu”

“May your name be inscribed for a good year.”

Candle Lighting & Blessings

The woman of the household lights the candles at sunset and a blessing is recited over the candles:

“Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanub’mitzvotav l’hadlik ner shel yom hazikkaron.”

“Blessed are you Lord our God king of the universe, who sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to kindle the candles of Shabbat and of the day of remembrance.”

The children are blessed and a prayer is given for thanksgiving.

Meal & Blessings

​Kiddush blessings are recited over the wine:

“Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam borei pri hagafen.”

“Blessed are you, Lord our God, king of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.”

HaMotzi blessings are recited over the challah:

“Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam hamotzi lechem min haaretz.”

“Blessed are you, Lord our God, king of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth.”

Challah is a Jewish braided bread; in which, on Feast of Trumpets is often shaped to resemble either the circle of life or crown of God. Raisins are sometimes added to sweeten the bread symbolizing hope for a sweet new year.

Prayers are made with thanksgiving for a blessed upcoming year.

A blessing and prayer is recited over the symbolic meaning of the other foods.

“Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam borei pri haetz.”

Blessed are you, Lord our God, king of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree."

It is customary to eat slices of apples dipped in honey; symbolizing the hope for a sweet upcoming year. Pomegranates are often served along with other sweets for the same reason. Foods that symbolize blessings and joy are also served. 

Additional blessings are said over other foods that are served and a blessing is said to bring closure to the meal.

Greetings are commonly repeated at the end of the meal.

Ending the Feast Celebration

The shofar is blown once at the end of the feast celebration, representing a call to awaken, remember, and be obedient.

It recalls the binding of Isaac and how obedience brings God’s blessings.

A blessing is recited after sounding the shofar:

“Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu lishmoa kol shofar.”

Blessed are you, Lord our God, king of the universe, who sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to hear the sound of the shofar.”

Synagogue Services

The following morning, on the first day of Feast of Trumpets, many attend a morning and evening service in the synagogue. Services consist of several activities:

The Morning Service (Prayers, Blessings, and Psalms)

“Birkot Hashachar” (“Morning Blessings”): is a morning prayer of thanks.

“Pesukei d’Zimra” (“Verses of Praise”): is when opening prayer and psalms are recited.​​

“Bar’chu” (“Blessed are you”): is a call to worship wherein everyone stands and a blessing to the Lord is recited and repeated.

“Sh’ma” (“Hear and Obey”): also spelled Shema, this is when blessings are recited in regards to God as creator, God's love, and the giving of the Torah. This is also when declaration of the oneness of God is made. Obedience to God is an emphasis and finally there is a blessing regarding past redemptions.​

​“Amidah” (“Standing”): also known as “The Standing Prayer”, this is a prayer that is said silently while standing and considers God's power, one's own desire to worship and give thanks, and is also given for personal reflection and prayers. 

Amidah Repetition: a longer version of the Amidah prayer that is recited out loud by the leader. A song of God’s sanctification is then sung by everyone while standing. Poems of remembrance, repentance, salvation, and judgment are read and everyone stands out of respect as the Ark is opened during certain portions.

“Avinu Malkeinu” (“Our Father, Our King”): includes praying to God as father and asks for compassion, mercy, joy, and life.

​The Torah Service (Scripture Reading)

Starts with opening of the Ark and pulling out the Torah. The leader carries the Torah in the midst of everyone while singing. Scriptures are then read.

Torah Reading

Genesis 21:1-31 (Read on Day 1): Refers to God's visit with Sarah and emphasizes God is one who remembers and redeems. 

​Genesis 22 (Read on Day 2): Refers to the binding of Isaac (which some believe occurred on 1 Tishrei) and emphasizes love and preserved life. 

​Haftorah or Haftarah (“The Prophets”)

1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:10 (Read on Day 1): Refers to Hannah being childless and emphasizes God’s remembrance.

​Jeremiah 31:2-20 (Read on Day 2): Refers to Ephraim and the redemption of his people and emphasizes God’s promise to remember.

 Maftir (“One Who Concludes”)

Numbers 29:1-6  (Read on Both Days): Recounts the offerings that were made.

The Shofar Portion

The first group of 30 blasts on the shofar are made; a set of 10 blasts (Repeated 3 Times):

​Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, Tekiah (4 Blasts; 14 Sounds)

Tekiah, Shevarim, Tekiah (3 Blasts; 5 Sounds)

Tekiah, Teruah, Tekiah-Gedolah (3 Blasts; 11 Sounds)

​Musaf (“Additional”; also Mussaf): is an added prayer service on Shabbats, and Holidays and includes three parts of scripture reading and shofar blasts.

Malchuyot (“Kingship”): Verses pertaining to God being sovereign are read and a set of 10 blasts on the shofar are made.

Zichronot (“Memories”): Verses about God remembering his people are read and a set of 10 blasts on the shofar are made.

Shofarot (“Shofars”): Verses regarding shofars and God as redeemer are read and a set of 10 blasts on the shofar are made.

 60 blasts would have been made thus far.

Musaf Amidah Repetition: The Amidah step is repeated.

Unetaneh Tokef (“Let us speak of awesomeness”): a prayer regarding the day of judgment.

Kedusha (“Holiness”): the sanctification of God’s name through scripture (i.e. Isaiah 6:3, Leviticus 22:32, Psalms 146:10, and Ezekiel 3:12).

Aleinu (“It is our duty”): prayer regarding an eternal God and dedication of his people; performed kneeling and bowing to the floor.

Musaf: the Musaf step is repeated.

Another set of 10 blasts are made after the repeated Malchuyot.

Another set of 10 blasts are made after the repeated Zichronot.

Another set of 10 blasts are made after the repeated Shofarot.

​90 blasts would have been made thus far.

​A priestly blessing is recited.

Service Conclusion

​A final prayer is recited and 10 blasts on the shofar are made to complete the 100 blasts. The service then concludes with a final Tekiah-Gedolah; “the last trump”.

Post Service 

After the morning service on day one, those who practice Tashlikh, head to the water.

Some greetings may be given after the service and up to the day of Yom Kippur.

“Gemar Chatimah Tovah” (“May your final sealing be good”): referring to the Book of Life.

​“Yom Tov” (“Good Day”): often used in place of other holiday greetings.

Messianic Christian Observance

Generally, the average Christian does not observe this holiday. However, there are a large and steady growing number of believers who do. Since Yom Teruah has not been spiritually fulfilled, the holiday is observed similarly to that of the Judaic tradition. Additions may include praying for the unsaved and reflecting on the understanding that forgiveness of sins comes through the blood of Yeshua HaMashiach (“Jesus the Christ”).

In Prophecy

As a precursor to the fulfillment of the appointed times, scriptures show a time in which the people of Israel will endure great chastisement for their iniquity and God will cause his people to have to flee for safety.

Ezekiel 9:4, 6 KJV - "4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. ... 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."

Revelation 7:2-4 KJV - "2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."

Amos 5:1-4 KJV - "1 Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel. 2 The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up. 3 For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:" (See all of Amos 5)

Jeremiah 50:3 KJV - "For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast."

Isaiah 37:31-32 KJV - "31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: 32 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this."

Romans 9:27 KJV - "Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:"

Micah 2:12 KJV - "I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men."

1 Thessalonians 5:3 KJV - "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."

Jeremiah 4:31 KJV - "For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers."

Jeremiah 30:4-7 KJV - "4 And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah. 5 For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? 7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it."

God will wait for the remnant of Israel and will give them a place of refuge to flee unto.

Revelation 12:6 KJV - "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."

Revelation 12:15-16 KJV - "15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth."

Isaiah 30:17-18 KJV - "17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. 18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him."

Scriptures show a connection between Yom Teruah and the coming repentance seen of the remnant of Israel:

Zephaniah 2:1-3 KJV - "1 Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; 2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger."

Jeremiah 51:50-51 KJV - "50 Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the LORD afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind. 51 We are confounded, because we have heard reproach: shame hath covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the LORD'S house."

Jeremiah 6:26 KJV - "O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us." (related to Sephardic Jewish tradition)

Ezekiel 7:16 KJV - "But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity."

Joel 2:12-13 KJV - "12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."

Joel 1:14-15 KJV - "14 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, 15 Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come."

Joel 2:15-16 KJV - "15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet."

Joel 2:1-2 KJV - "1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;"

Jeremiah 50:4-5 KJV -  "4 In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten."

Zechariah 12:10 KJV - "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (related to Sephardic Jewish tradition)

Isaiah 10:20-22 KJV - "20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. 22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness."

Matthew 24:36 KJV - "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (See also Mark 13:32)

The remnant will have accepted Jesus as their sacrificial lamb and crown him King in their hearts. They will exalt the Lord and sing praises.

Isaiah 30:29 KJV - "Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel." (continued below)

Revelation 14:1 KJV - "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads."

Matthew 18:20 KJV - "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Revelation 14:3 KJV - "And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."

Jeremiah 50:20 KJV - "In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve."

When the remnant of Israel flees for safety, they will finally observe the true spiritual meaning of Yom Teruah. They will awaken to the truth with their hearts tekiah blast, their veil will be lifted, and they will cry out in agony, in remembrance of their iniquity and realize that God’s anger is kindled. Their hearts will cry out in shevarim, in remembrance that their works are not good enough to have their names inscribed in the book of life. Then their hearts will cry out in Tekiah, in true repentance from their sin and lack of faith in Yeshua HaMashiach, on the mountain, as a beacon, crying for mercy before their true God. And their tekiah will be a tekiah gedolah, the great and last trump, the trump that names Jesus as their king of kings and lord of lords. Recall it is known as the “Hidden Day”. No man can calculate such a day. Only God knows the heart of man and when Israel will repent and be saved.

God will hear and be moved in the heavens. The Lord also will blow the trumpet. With a great shout the Lord will redeem his people.

Isaiah 18:3 KJV - "All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye."

Isaiah 30:29-31 KJV - "29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. 30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. 31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod."

Jeremiah 25:30 KJV - "Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth."

Revelation 14:15, 18-19 KJV - "15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. .... 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God."

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV - "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

Psalm 47:5 KJV - "God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet."

The day of redemption is a day that many desire and pray for but are called to wait on the Lord to fulfill his plan.

Isaiah 26:2 KJV - "Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in."

Psalm 118:19-20 KJV - "19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: 20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."

Jeremiah 31:7 KJV - "For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel."

Romans 10:1 KJV - "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."

Joel 2:17-18 KJV - "17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? 18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people."

Isaiah 30:18 KJV - "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him."

Zephaniah 3:8 KJV - "Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy."