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“You shall live in booths seven days in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt”. (Leviticus 23:42-43) |
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In order to fulfil the commandment of the LORD and remember how He preserved and provided for them through the wilderness, the Jewish people construct temporary shelters for the 7 days of sukkot. Although they do not live in their sukkah, all meals are eaten in it. Hence even hotels and restaurants in Israel provide one during the festival so their patrons can obey God's word. |
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The visitor to Israel during Sukkot will see these booths everywhere. They are frail and temporary structures with palm branches only as a roof, and stand as a reminder that God’s people do not trust in circumstances or material security, but in God’s care and provision. |
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Sukkot also celebrates the in-gathering of the final harvest. Also at this time, prayers for rain are said and they relate to the beautiful and impressive water-drawing ceremony that took place during the Temple period. The priest took water in a bowl from the Pool of Siloam, went back up the steep incline to the Temple, and poured it out before God, acknowledging in humility that they were asking for something beyond man’s ability. The coming of rain in Jewish tradition is associated with the coming of Redemption.
It was at this point of the Feast that Jesus stood in the Temple and said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).
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The Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles :
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Since its inception in 1980 the Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, has been a vital and central part of its ministry of comforting Israel (Isaiah 40:1).
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We believe that celebrating the Feast each year honours the Lord in anticipation of the fulfillment of the words spoken by Zechariah when he prophesied, “…the nations...shall come up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles' (Zech. 14:16).
Pilgrims come from many nations to worship the Lord, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and to bless Israel in this time of re-gathering of the Jewish people. During Sukkot the Jerusalem Municipality holds a march that includes many Israeli groups and organisations. The visiting Christians join it carrying the flags of a hundred nations. They receive a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the watching crowds who appreciate the significance of the nations coming up to Jerusalem and the display of solidarity and friendship.
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Worship and the Word :
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During the seven days of the Feast, a daily program of seminars and teaching is offered and each evening concludes with a time of worship. These are held in Jerusalem’s biggest Convention Centre. |
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These evening celebrations are especially noted for their pageantry in music and dance. An international choir and orchestra lead the people into a time of praise and worship. There is a variety of other events, including a special evening set aside for Israeli guests. |
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Opportunities are also given for the pilgrims to demonstrate, in practical ways, their love for the people of Israel and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. |
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Join the Australian Tour :
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Thousands of Christians from over all over the world have gone up to Jerusalem each year to stand with Israel. Australians too ‘go up’ to be part of this wonderful Feast which the Jews call ‘the season of our rejoicing”.
Join the Australian Tour - more information >>>
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Become a Feast Volunteer :
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Every year before and during the Feast, an international band of volunteers joins the Jerusalem staff to help in the preparation and carry out the many tasks needed for the implementation of this major function. Various skills are needed, but mostly a heart willing to serve is required.
Volunteer - more information >>>
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