Elohim’s fall moadim (appointed times) will soon be upon us! Details about all of His holy appointed times (spring and fall) can be found in Leviticus 23. Like the spring festivals, the fall moadim reveal Messiah’s redemptive work—what Yeshua (Jesus) has already fulfilled and what He will fulfill at His return. Yeshua kept these moadim, as did His disciples and the first-century community of believers. The Way Council encourages every follower of Yeshua to celebrate these appointed times in the fullness of His ministry, truth, and coming Kingdom. Below is an outline of the fall appointed times and their connection to Messiah Yeshua. These are only brief summaries; more in-depth teachings can be found through the ministries we support and many other resources online. Chag sameach! Happy holidays!
Yom Teruah / Day of Blowing (the Shofar)
Yom Teruah marks the beginning of the seventh month, announced by blasts of the shofar. Israel was commanded to observe it as a sacred day of sounding, remembrance, and holy assembly. It signals a call to wake up spiritually, to prepare for repentance, and to look ahead to judgment and restoration.
Scripture describes Yeshua’s return as being heralded by the great blast of the shofar. The resurrection of the dead, the gathering of His people, and the coronation of the King are all connected to this day. Many understand Yom Teruah prophetically as pointing to Messiah’s second coming, when the heavenly shofar will sound and the world will awaken to His rule.
Scripture: “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the blast of God’s shofar. And the dead in Messiah shall rise first.” – 1 Thess. 4:16 (TLV)
Yom Kippur / Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year. In ancient Israel, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the nation through sacrificial blood. It is a day of repentance, self-denial, and seeking Elohim’s mercy. Israel was commanded to “afflict their souls,” confess sins, and trust in Elohim’s cleansing.
Yeshua is our eternal High Priest who entered not an earthly sanctuary but the heavenly one. Through His own blood, He provides final atonement for our sins. Prophetically, Yom Kippur points ahead to the day when Israel and the nations will look upon the One pierced for them, repent, and be restored as Yeshua brings judgment, forgiveness, and national redemption.
Scripture: “But when Messiah appeared as Kohen Gadol [High Priest]…He entered once for all into the Holies of Holies—not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood—having obtained eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 9:11-12 (TLV)
Sukkot / Feast of Tabernacles
Sukkot is a joyful, week-long festival celebrating Elohim’s provision. Israel was commanded to live in temporary shelters (sukkot) to remember their wilderness journey when Elohim dwelled with them and sustained them. It is also known as “the season of our joy.”
Sukkot points to the coming Messianic Kingdom, when Yeshua will reign on earth and “tabernacle” among His people. The prophets describe all nations going up to Jerusalem to worship the King during this feast. It looks forward to the restored creation, abundant provision, and divine presence filling the world.
Scripture: “And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” – John 1:14 (TLV)
Shemini Atzeret / Eighth Day Assembly
Immediately following Sukkot is Shemini Atzeret, a solemn yet joyful closing assembly. It is described as a separate moed, a “holy convocation” in which Elohim invites His people to remain with Him for one more appointed day. Jewish tradition later associated this day with Simchat Torah, rejoicing in the gift of Elohim’s Word.
Prophetically, Shemini Atzeret is often understood as pointing to the eternal state of the new heavens and new earth after the Messianic Kingdom. Just as the eighth day symbolizes new creation and completion, so the redeemed will dwell with Elohim forever in unbroken fellowship and joy.
Scripture: “Behold, the dwelling of God is among men, and He shall tabernacle among them… and they shall be His people.” – Revelation 21:3 (TLV)
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