In addition to the weekly seventh day Sabbath, we keep the Holy Days of scripture as listed with their scriptural references below. Using God’s word as our guide, we have calculated these dates on the basis of observable seasons and signs, specified within scripture.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,
Genesis 1:14
We determine the start of our calendar based on calculating the new moon (it’s conjunction) closest to the equinox and conditioned on the first Holy Day commencing after the equinox (Ecc 3:1).
We do not reference the Jewish fixed calendar, or follow the postponement rules, as these are later additions that we believe are a departure from scripture. As such, guided by scripture, we observe dates that more closely follow the seasons as determined by the sun and the moon (Psa 104:19).
| The Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-20, John 13:1-8, 1Cor 11:20-34) | |
| Passover (Exo 12:42-50, Lev 23:5) | |
| Feast of Unleavened Bread Chag Mazzot (Exo 12:14-18) | to |
| Feast of Firstfruits / Pentecost Yom Bikkurim (Lev 23:15-16, Num 28:26) | |
| Feast of Trumpets Yom Teruah (Lev 23:24-25) | |
| Day of Atonement Yom Kippurim (Lev 16:29-31, Lev 23:27-32) | |
| Feast of Tabernacles Chag Sukkot (Lev 23:34-36) | to |
| The Last Great Day (Lev 23:36-39, Num 29:35, Joh 7:37) |
Note on English Titles for Days and Festivals
The holy days and festivals have come to be known by a number of different names when translated into English. Understandably, sometimes individuals, or groups, prefer to use one name, instead of another. This might be for reasons of familiarity and habit, or perhaps it’s in trying to uncover the core meaning intended by the name, day or festival.
The list of events presented here, does not claim to be the only English rendering of names for these events, or the most correct. Sometimes names were used here because of familiarity by many (Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles). Other names can be used (Day of Purgations, Feast of Booths), which are of course, also valid.
This list is but a pointer to dates set apart in God’s calendar, using names that are hopefully generally recognised. Some Hebrew names and/or scriptural references have also been offered, to point to a common place of understanding, of which event is being referenced. Let not the imperfect rendering of names from other languages to English, become a stumbling block to fellowship (Titus 3:9). How we come together and observe and respond to these holy days and festivals, is the matter of greater importance.