However, there is a hidden gem within the Shimini Atzeret –– the promise of new beginnings. Yochanan was given a vision of the ‘eighth day’ new heavens and a new earth when all things will be restored to as they were ‘in the beginning’ and should have remained. This is truly the good news of salvation: the restoration of all things.
Tag: eighth day
Rejoicing in the Torah – Simchat Torah
The number eight holds the Biblical vision for ‘new beginnings’ as in the Simchat Torah celebration. Dedication ceremonies for the Temple, the anointing oil and the Altar also lasted eight days hence the re-dedication of the Altar at Hanukkah lasting for eight days. Jewish baby boys were, and still are, circumcised and named on the eighth day in a ceremony called a b’rit-milah.
When was Jesus born?
Most Christians acknowledge that Jesus was not born on December 25 in the middle of winter. Yet few realize that his birth is outlined in the Bible if they could unravel some of the clues given to them in the gospels that refer back to the Hebrew Scriptures. The account of the ‘reason for the season’ begins in the book of Luke chapter 1 when Zechariah was in the Temple burning incense to God. The time of his Temple service is the key to understanding when of the birth of his son, John, took place as well as the birth of Jesus (Yeshua).