Introduction: The Appointed Feasts of Yahuah

The Appointed Feasts (Mo’ediym) of Yahuah (Vayiqra [Leviticus] 23:1-44) are sacred times established by Elohiym from the foundation of creation to worship Him, remember His mighty works, and anticipate prophetic fulfillment. These feasts, along with the weekly Shabbath and other sacred observances, form the rhythm of life for those who honour Yahuah’s eternal covenant with His chosen people.

1. The Shabbath (Sabbath)

Introduction:The Shabbath of Yahuah was instituted from the beginning as the seventh day. “And Elohiym blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which Elohiym created and made.” (Bere’shiyth 2:3)

Scriptural Reference: Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 2:2-3, Shemoth (Exodus) 20:8-11, Vayiqra (Leviticus) 23:3

Timing: On the seventh day of each week, not to be confused with Sunday, the first day of the week.

Purpose: A day of rest, fellowship and worship commemorating Yahuah’s rest after creation. It serves as a perpetual covenant sign between Yahuah and His people (Shemoth 31:13).

Spiritual Significance: Yahusha Ha’Mashiach declared that He is the Adoniy of the Sabbath, affirming His authority over it and revealing its true meaning and importance (Marqus [Mark] 2:27-28). The Sabbath remains a promise of entering Elohiym’s rest, as stated in Ivriym (Hebrews) 4:8-11, signifying not only physical rest but also the ultimate spiritual rest found in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. This rest points to the completion of Yahuah’s work and the eternal peace granted to those who abide in Him.

Prophetic Significance: The Shabbath prophetically foreshadows Yahuah’s 7,000-year plan, where 6,000 years of humanity’s toil, sin, and history of rebellion under the dominion of Ha’Satan, will be followed by a 1,000-year Sabbath rest during Yahusha Ha’Mashiach’s reign (Kepha Sheniy [2 Peter] 3:7-9 , Chazon [Revelation] 20:4-7). It remains a sign of Yahuah’s covenant (Yechezq’el [Ezekiel] 20:12, 20) and will be observed in the Millennial Kingdom and the new heavens and earth (Yasha’yahu [Isaiah] 66:22-23). Ivriym (Hebrews) 4:9-11 confirms that the Sabbath points to the ultimate rest in Yahusha, where the faithful will cease from their works as Yahuah did. Just as Yahuah rested on the seventh day (Bere’shiyth [Genesis] 2:2-3), so too will the seventh millennium be a time of peace and righteousness under Yahusha Ha’Mashiach.

2. The New Moon (Rosh Chodesh)

Introduction: The New Moon, or Rosh Chodesh, is a time of renewal ordained by Yahuah as the beginning of each month in His calendar. It is determined by the first visible sighting of the crescent moon after the dark phase of the moon in Yerushalayim and is marked by the blowing of shofars and offerings. Blow up the shofar in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day (Tehilliym [Psalms]81:3). This observance reminds us of Yahuah’s provision and the alignment of our lives with His appointed times.

Scriptural Reference: Bemidbar (Numbers) 10:10 , 28:11-15; Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 66:23; Tehilliym (Psalms) 81:3

Timing: Monthly, on the first of each Hebrew month.

Purpose: A day to sound the trumpet (shofar) and present offerings, marking the beginning of a new month. It signifies renewal and obedience to Yahuah’s calendar.

Prophetic Significance: Points to continual renewal and alignment with Yahuah’s appointed times, as prophesied in Yesha’yahu 66:23.

3. The Beginning of the Year (Rosh Chodesh HaRishon)

Introduction: The beginning of the year, or Rosh Chodesh HaRishon, is ordained by Yahuah as the start of the biblical year in His calendar. It is determined by the first visible sighting of the crescent moon in the month of Aviyv (Abib), when the barley is in the aviyv (aviv) stage in Yerushalayim. This marks the first month in Yahuah’s reckoning of time. “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Shemoth [Exodus] 12:2). The beginning of the year sets the foundation for Yahuah’s appointed times and reminds us of His order, renewal, and deliverance.

Scriptural References:
Shemoth (Exodus) 12:2 – Yahuah declares Aviyv as the first month.
Shemoth (Exodus) 13:4 – The people of Yashar’el left Mitsrayim in the month of Aviyv.
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 16:1 – “Guard the month of Aviyv, and keep the Pecach unto Yahuah Elohayka.”
Yechezq’el (Ezekiel) 45:18 – The cleansing of the Temple at the beginning of the year.

Timing: Annually, on the first day of Aviyv, determined by the first crescent moon sighted in Yerushalayim when the barley is aviv (mature enough for firstfruits). We are following the aviyv reports at this website and it appears that the aviyv is going to be ready to start Yahuah’s year with the crescent moon sighting at the end of March 2025.

Purpose: Marks the beginning of the biblical year and the cycle of Yahuah’s appointed times. A time of renewal, dedication, and preparation for the appointed feasts. Signifies the deliverance of Yashar’el, as it was the month of their exodus from Mitsrayim.

Prophetic Significance:

• Foreshadows the renewal of all things in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach (Chazon [Revelation] 21:5).
• Points to the completion of Yahuah’s 7,000-year plan, where the first day of Aviyv mirrors the beginning of the final redemption.
• Connects with Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 66:23, as the renewed heavens and earth will continue Yahuah’s set calendar.

4. Pesach (Passover)

Introduction: Pesach commemorates Yahuah’s deliverance of Yashar’el from bondage in Mitsrayim (Egypt). And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you (Shemoth 12:13). It foreshadows Yahusha Ha’Mashiach, the Lamb of Elohiym, whose blood delivers His people from sin.

Scriptural Reference: Shemoth (Exodus) 12; Vayiqra (Leviticus) 23:5

Timing: 14th day of the first month (Aviyv). The first month of Yahuah’s calendar is calculated by when the aviyv, winter barley, will be ready for harvest in the spring. The aviyv is calculated at the end of the 11 month or the month of February (Gregorian calendar).

Purpose: Commemorates Yahuah’s deliverance of Yashar’el from Mitsrayim through the blood of the lamb, foreshadowing Yahusha Ha’Mashiach as the Lamb of Elohiym (Yochanon [John] 1:29).

5. Matstsah (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

Introduction: This feast begins immediately after Pesach, on the 15th day of the first month, and lasts for seven days. It symbolizes the removal of sin, represented by leaven, and a call to set-apart living. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Matstsah unto Yahuah: seven days ye must eat matstsah (Vayiqra 23:6). Yahusha’s sinless body fulfills this feast as the Bread of Life.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 23:6-8

Timing: 15th to 21st of the first month.

Purpose: Symbolizes the removal of sin (leaven) and living a set-apart life. Yahusha’s burial fulfills this feast as the matstsah, free of corruption (Qorintiym Ri’shon [1 Corinthians] 5:7-8).

6. Bikkuriym (Firstfruits)

Introduction: Bikkuriym celebrates the firstfruits of the harvest, offered in gratitude to Yahuah. Speak unto the children of Yashar’el, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest (Vayiqra 23:10). Yahusha’s resurrection is the ultimate fulfillment of this feast as the firstfruits of those raised from the dead.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 23:9-14

Timing: Day after the Sabbath during Unleavened Bread

Purpose: Celebrates the first harvest, foreshadowing Yahusha’s resurrection as the firstfruits of the dead (Qorintiym Ri’shon [1 Corinthians] 15:20-23).

7. Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)

Introduction: Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the outpouring of the Ruach Ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit). Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto Yahuah (Vayiqra 23:16). This feast reveals the unity of the Word and Spirit, fulfilled in Yahusha.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 23:15-22

Timing: 50 days after Bikkurim

Purpose: Marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the outpouring of the Ruach Ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) in Ma’asiym (Acts) 2.

8. Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)

Introduction: Yom Teruah is a day of blowing the shofar, calling Yahuah’s people to repentance and heralding the coming of the King. Speak unto the children of Yashar’el, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a set-apart convocation (Vayiqra 23:24). It anticipates Yahusha’s return.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 23:23-25

Timing: 1st day of the seventh month (Eythaniym)

Purpose: A day of shouting and trumpet blasts, heralding Yahusha’s return and the resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

9. Yom Kippuriym (Day of Atonement)

Introduction: Yom Kippuriym is the most solemn day of the year, a time for repentance and atonement. For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before Yahuah (Vayiqra 16:30). Yahusha’s atoning sacrifice provides eternal redemption for His people.

Scriptural References: Vayiqra 16:1-34 ; Vayiqra 23:26-32

Timing: 10th day of the seventh month

Purpose: A solemn day of repentance and atonement for sin. Yahusha’s sacrifice fulfills this as our High Priest making atonement (Ivriym 9:11-14).

10. Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles)

Introduction: Sukkoth celebrates Yahuah’s provision and presence among His people, symbolized by dwelling in temporary shelters. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Yashar’el born shall dwell in booths (Vayiqra 23:42). It points to the ultimate dwelling of Yahuah with His people in the eternal Kingdom.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 23:33-43

Timing: 15th to 21st day of the seventh month

Purpose: Celebrates Yahuah dwelling with His people and anticipates the eternal kingdom (Chazon [Revelation] 21:3).

11. Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day Assembly)

Introduction: Shemini Atzeret concludes the feast cycle with a sacred assembly. On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein (Vayiqra 23:36). It represents the eternal rest and joy in the presence of Yahuah.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 23:36, 39; Bemidbar 29:35

Timing: The day following Sukkot (22nd day of the seventh month)

Purpose: Marks the conclusion of the feast cycle, representing the eternal state of dwelling with Yahuah (Chazon 21:3).

12. The Shabbatical Year (Shmittah)

Introduction: Every seventh year is set apart as a year of rest for the land. But in the seventh year shall be a Shabbath of rest unto the land, a Shabbath for Yahuah (Vayiqra 25:4). It reminds us of Yahuah’s provision and restoration.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 25:1-7

Timing: Every seventh year

Purpose: A year of rest for the land, emphasizing reliance on Yahuah’s provision.

13. The Year of Yovel (Jubilee)

Introduction: The Year of Yovel is a time of release, liberty, and restoration. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you (Vayiqra 25:10). It foreshadows the ultimate redemption in Yahusha.

Scriptural Reference: Vayiqra 25:8-55

Timing: Every 50th year

Purpose: A time of liberty, restoration, and release of debts, symbolizing ultimate redemption in Yahusha.

Invitation to Honour the Appointed Times

Yahuah calls us to recognize and honour these set apart and appointed times, not as mere traditions but as eternal decrees that reveal His plan for salvation. Through observing the feasts, we align our lives with His divine order established at creation.

Yahuah’s Feast Day Calendar is Here!