While most attention and focus were on the second anniversary of the horrific October 7 terrorist attack, and on the potential release of Israeli hostages, Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) commenced at sundown on Monday. What a mix of emotions, as Sukkot is the longest and most joyful of the Biblical fall feasts of Israel. Despite the loss of so many, and the captivity of the remaining 48 hostages, Israelis still rejoice during the Feast of Tabernacles.

The 7 major Biblical feasts all reflect deep Jewish tradition as Israelites recall their exodus from Egypt (Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of First Fruits), God’s giving of the law to Moses (Pentecost), and Israel’s rejoicing and contemplation (Feast of Trumpets, Yom Kippur and Feast of Tabernacles).

Yet, those 7 feasts all point to Jesus the Messiah and life in Him! Jesus is the Passover Lamb who takes away our sin, Jesus was pierced, bruised and broken (like unleavened bread) for us, Jesus rose again from the grave as the “first fruit” so we could also rise to newness of life. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out and the church was born.

That’s the pattern of the first four feasts. The last three are prophetic. The Feast of Trumpets points to Jesus’ Second Coming, Yom Kippur is the day of Israel’s repentance, and the Feast of Tabernacles will be fulfilled in the Millennium, when Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua (Jesus) celebrate together as “one new man.”

As Jews celebrate the 8-day Feast of Tabernacles, they will gather with family and friends in a sukkah (a small tent or temporary “tabernacle”) to eat together, fellowship together and rejoice with one another. It is a happy time of gift-giving, games and hospitality.

The irony of the opening of the feast on the anniversary of October 7 puts a kink in the festivities, though I am well aware of Jewish culture. There is no doubt in my mind they will be resilient and will celebrate hardily, regardless of the sadness and anguish they still feel for those lost on that infamous day two years ago.

And we haven’t even mentioned the hostage deal.

You can be assured Jews, especially in Israel, have plenty on their mind as they turn their focus to Sukkot. The trauma and the loss have moved many Jewish people to contemplate the meaning of the Messiah. Many believe they are living in the age of the Messiah and, different than believers in Jesus, they are awaiting the initial coming of the Messiah. Though the veil remains and they don’t know exactly who or what the Messiah is, the thoughts of many are drawn to Him.

During this season of Sukkot (lasting until sundown on October 13) please pray for eyes and hearts to open up to the truth of Jesus the Messiah. May many come to accept Him. Will you pray each day specifically for the Jewish people to meet their Messiah? Let’s take Isaiah 62:6-7 literally and give God no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth!