Introduction
     With the approach of autumn, we welcome the first of the four Annual Sabbaths, starting with the Day of Trumpets. It is a Sabbath of rest when no laborious work is to be done, except for the meals of the day. None of the Feasts of the seventh month has been fulfilled as yet. Fulfillment is yet ahead of us.
    Remember, you are an example to those around you. Be a light to the world, and make this day a joy for your family. Spend extra time studying your Bible and prayer. Many of the brethren participate in a video or audio taped message both of which are available from YAIY.

Atonement
     This day is indeed unique because it is referred to as a Feast day, but is actually a day of fasting! The Day of Atonement is a day in which no food or drink is taken for 24 hours — from sunset to sunset.
    Leviticus 23:27 reads “afflict your souls,” which is a commanded fast. This can be seen by comparing Psalm 35:13; 69:10; and Isaiah 58:3. There are certain benefits from fasting, and Yahweh has legislated that His people fast at least this one special day.
    Yahweh commands that no work of any kind be done on this day. It is the holiest of all days of the year. It is not uncommon that extra rest be taken this day. Make certain all work is completed beforehand so no complaints from the family will be forthcoming. Remember that fasting is from sunset the previous evening to sunset of this day.
    Remember Yahweh’s days begin at sunset (Lev. 23:32). When the sun has set, a new day begins and eating an evening meal can commence. Eat only a moderate meal following the Day of Atonement. Those under medical care should check with their physician.

Feast of Tabernacles
     This is the most joyous time of the year. The harvest is in, and we can thank Yahweh for a bountiful growing season and look forward to His harvest of souls.
    The Feast of Tabernacles is a time to join with others of like faith in thanking and praising Yahweh. We share our hopes and dreams for the seven days with others also striving to enter the Kingdom under Yahshua Messiah. It is a time to rejoice!
    Reading the book of Deuteronomy is timely, for it will be the constitution of the coming Kingdom. The book on the side of the ark, which went into the promised land, was the book of Deuteronomy, 31:26. We can relate this to our own future entrance (Heb. 4:1). (Take special note: Heb. 3:16-19; 4:11).

High Sabbath and Last Great Day/Eighth Day
     The first Day of the Feast of Tabernacles is a High Sabbath, and after seven days comes the last Great Day of the Feast, written in the Law as the Eighth Day. No work is to be done neither on the first day of Tabernacles nor on the last Great Day.
    Yahweh places His Name in His people through baptism, and the Elders of His Assembly invite all sincere people to attend the Feast and join with others who have been sealed with His Name (Rev. 14:1).

Assemble for Annual Sabbaths
     The Passover in Egypt was a family gathering as they huddled in their houses for fear of the destroying angel. The next day Israel gathered together as a congregation at Rameses to keep the first annual Sabbath, the first day of Unleavened Bread. ALL Israel joined in convocation to keep all seven Annual Feast days. They did not keep these Feasts in their back yard.
    The Feasts are given to Yahweh’s people to educate and strengthen them in the most holy faith. Work is permitted between the first Day of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day (except for the weekly Sabbath which falls within the week).
    To neglect the full week of the Feast and keep only the High Days deprives one of the joys that Yahweh has set before us. The Feast of Tabernacles is like a giant family reunion. Brethren we meet inspire and encourage each of us and we learn we are not alone, for many wrestle the same problems we face.
    If the reason you are not attending Yahweh’s Festivals is financial, you should start saving now a second tithe which you set aside to ensure your means of attending future Feasts (Deut. 14:22-23). This is Yahweh’s way of ensuring your obedience in gathering together with His spiritual family of sons and daughters.
    May Yahweh inspire you with zeal to become fully committed to Him so that when you come you are behind in no work or responsibility, but have faithfully trusted in Him to guide you in deeper truth. Should you have any Biblical questions, feel free to get in touch with us. Allow Yahweh the opportunity to bless you and plan to attend the next Feast of Tabernacles with us.