Rosh Hashanah

Dear Victorious,

I understand that Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holy day, the start of their new year. How should Christians regard it? Doesn't it have Old Testament ties?

David B. - Lima, OH

Dear David,

I am not an expert on the Jewish faith, but I understand that Rosh Hashanah is the start of the Jewish New Year ... and the beginning of an annual 10 days of repentance. It does have Old Testament ties. But like many Old Testament practices which Jesus changed or eliminated (such as sacrificing animals for sin), Christians should not regard this. Repentance in particular is not something that true Christ-followers would pursue for 10 days once a year. Repentance is to be continuous, and occur as soon as we become aware that we have sinned.

Jewish holidays may be holy to the Jews, but for Christians they are pagan holidays with no particular meaning. So we respect the Jews and their right to celebrate them ... just as they respect us and our celebrations of holidays like Christmas or Easter.