New Year’s Day

Num 28:23-29:6         12/24/2017

This portion is a description of the required sacrifices for the major feasts in the Hebrew calendar, especially the New Year’s Day sacrifices.

Rosh Hashana – New Year’s Day. The celebration of all things new.

It’s about Origins. The Jewish New Year begins in the seventh month – usually in September by the modern calendar.

The idea of a new year is interesting. Almost every culture has some sense of a new year. But it seems as though the major cultures of the world all celebrate their “New Year” at different times of the calendar. Some seem tied to specific astronomical events like a solstice or equinox. Others to particular seasons of the year – especially harvest and planting.

I suppose the thing they all share is the idea of renewal. Things were once brand new. Then, through the course of time, they matured toward an ending. And then a new beginning.

Given.

I wonder that we should change what we call “Birthdays” to “New Beginnings Days”. Then, when asked, I could say, “I have had 54 new beginnings”.

Somehow that seems right. There’s an element of appreciation built in. Fortunate indeed, the man or woman who has been given so many new beginnings.

Given so many new beginnings.

The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent. They are renewed each morning— great is your faithfulness! Lam 3:22-23