How to ·Keep Time by 's Calendar

in the

by Jacob O. Meyer

a publication. of ABBemblie. ofYahweh

-.~.-.---- . ~------.---.-~....­ An Assemblies of Yahweh® publication

Assemblies of Yahweh, The Narrow Way Newsletter, The Sacred Name Broadcaster, and The Sacred Name Broadcast are Service Marks and Trademarks of Assemblies of Yahweh, Bethel, PA 19507

· Published By Assemblies of Yahweh P.O. Box C Bethel, PA 19507 V.SA.

Copyright © 1977, 1988, 1990 Assemblies of Yahweh. All Rights Reserved to eep eby Yahweh's ~' lendalr in 1~he ens From the many questions that we dar in toto. They have attempted have received over the past years to justify this stand by quoting concerning the reason why the Romans 3:2. But there is a scrip­ Assemblies of Yahweh occasionally tural answer to the calendar ques­ observes the Holy Days of Leviticus, tion and calendar arranging is NOT chapter 23, on different days than an "oracle" that has been committed do the Jews, it is apparent that to the Jews. The sacred Scriptures is these questions present an opportu­ the oracle, the Word. nity for the author to write an The Jewish Calendar in-depth article on this timely subject. However, since we observe the Many of the people wl10 have Holy Days of Leviticus chapter 23, arrived at the threshold of the some people have assumed that the Assemblies of Yahweh have never Assemblies of Yahweh would look to questioned why they do things as the Jews to set the scriptural they have always done them. In the calendar since they also observe Assemblies of Yahweh we seek to these identical Holy Days. However, delve deeply into what the by upon obtaining a Jewish calendar teaches so that we may live our lives Jacob O. Meyer one might be surprised to learn that well pleasing to Yahweh, in close the orthodox Jews observe TWO harmony with His Word. Unques­ which will ever bring doctrinal order DAYS CONSECUTIVELY rather tionably, this concept of sincere out of the obvious confusion existing than the SINGLE DAY which is worship and reverence for the presently upon the religious spec­ legislated in the inspired Scriptures. Almighty Father in will trum in understanding the Scrip­ The only exception is in observance yield a life which differs in many tures is to completely HARMONIZE of several holidays which the rabbis points from what is found in all of the passages on a certain have inaugurated under their own or in the ch-rches of subject and allow them to mold the authority and volition (for example, nominal Chr-stianity (even though doctrines which we believe. Such Chanuka), and of course in the some of these Chr-stian groups in scriptural harmony is indeed possi­ scriptural fast of the Day of Atone­ some respects do seek to restore the ble. Both Old and ment (which certainly no one wishes narrow way which was lost after Scriptures complement each other to extend unnecessarily). Apostolic days). Nor can we shrink and will say the same thing if we There is, to be sure, a reason for from humble, submissive obedience allow them to do so. There are no everything, and the reason why the to the directives of the Most High unexplainable discrepancies, but Jews have set TWO feast days to when YAHWEH'S commandments unifying truth will emerge only commemorate the ONE enjoined and are brought to our attention or we through consistency in research into legislated by the Scriptures in Levit­ shall soon discover that He will deny the writings that were transmitted icus chapter 23 is because of the blessings. to us. The Father in to us. The of Yahweh dispersion of the Jewish people into heaven, who looks upon our hearts, will direct our sincere efforts. all of the nations of the earth. Not knows if we are not being obedient Some, having failed in their wishing for their observance to be in to a truth which He has revealed to attempts to find a scriptural basis error, the Jews have specified two us. for reckoning time, have turned to days so that they would be certain The only method of Bible study the Jews and accepted their calen­ to be correct in keeping one of their

1 -_.__...... _--­ center of the scientific study of the the vernal equinox as their starting heavens. Doctor H. C. Leupold, in point for fixing the time of the first offering his analysis of Genesis scriptural month. I cannot insist too 11:3-4, has said that the tower of forcefully that this term (vernal Babel was built to touch or reach equinox, the spring day when nights into (discover the secrets of) heaven. are the equal length) is not found in Doctor Bullinger in The Companion the inspired Scriptures, nor is it Bible suggests that the zodiac was even alluded to in the Word of depicted on the top of this tower so Yahweh. that the movement of the heavenly When Almighty Yahweh gave His bodies could be studied and directions to He gave them as recorded. You will find that the a father would to a child, speaking astrologers are mentioned promi­ in simple, explicit, candid language, nently among the wise men of not in veiled technical terms. Such days. Babylon in Daniel's time (Daniel straight talk, forthrightly delivered, This concept of being overly 2:2). Please give some attention to is a universally consistent charac­ righteous is condemned by Solomon Isaiah 47:13. "You are wearied in teristic of the message of the Bible. in Ecclesiastes 7:16. In too many the multitude of your counsels: let Would a little shepherd lad, such as cases the Jews have made void the now the astrologers, the star­ was David, living constantly out in law of Yahweh by their traditions of gazers; the monthly prognosti­ the open fields tending flocks, be men, binding upon the people heavy cators, stand up, and save you able to determine an astronomical burdens, which are beyond what was from the things that shall come conjunction of the new moon? Would intended by the law of Yahweh. This upon you." it not be more simple for Almighty practice has caused the Law of Yahweh to allow the movement of Yahweh to be viewed as a yoke of Equinox Complicates Matters this great sign in heaven to deter­ bondage-which it is not, nor was it Nevertheless, allow us to reiterate mine a division of time? The ever intended to be. The law once more for emphasis that renewal of the moon each month was given by a loving Heavenly advance calculation as a system of would be so obvious that no one Father and He intended it for our calendar compilation cannot be could mistake what was happening. good, Deuteronomy 6:24. supported from the Scriptures. As Therefore, each one who reads the Watching for the Signs Chr-stianity sees it, calculation of Bible can comprehend the simple the calendar in advance depends directions. It is also true that because of the, primarily upon the vernal equinox The Scriptural Method dispersion, the Jews have no longer as its starting point, while using an followed an observable calendar. astronomical conjunction of the new Almighty Yahweh has explained Scholarship abounds with substantial moon rather than sighting a visible in Genesis 1:14-18, ttAnd and irrefutable evidence that, moon. The Jews employ an astro­ said. Let there be lights in the during the days of the , it. nomical conjunction of the moon. firmament of heaven to divide the was the Sanhedrin which set the Basically, this method is intended day from the night; and let them calendar. This august body of elders to remove the comprehension of the be for signs, and for seasons, and in Israel fixed the months by progression of time from the for days and years: and let them sending out observers to the higher common man. If the method be for lights in the firmament of elevations of terrain around the city exPressed so simply in the sacred heaven to give light upon the of Jerusalem so that they could Scriptures is rejected, the calendar earth: and it was so. And Elohim VISUALLY OBSERVE the actual arrangement is placed in the hands made the two great lights; the new crescent which marked the new of a few learned men who usually greater light to rule the day, and or rebuilding moon. intend to use their knowledge to the lesser light to rule the night: Seeds that germinated into the gain and hold position. For example, he made the stars also. And calculated calendar, which is pres­ in past years I have sat through Elohim set them in the firmament ently in use in Judaism, were most lectures by noted scholars and edu­ of heaven to give light upon the likely originally planted while Judah cators who presented quite a formi­ earth. and to rule over the day and was in Babylonian captivity. But, it dable array of scientific research on over the night, and to divide the took the dispersion into very distant the phases of the moon and how to light from darkness: and Elohim lands to bring their seeds into total calculate the holy days. Without fail saw that it was good." fruition. Babylon had long been the these men always reverted back to Yahweh's method of reckoning

~--...... ~---- ~- time is good (perfect)! So why and by extension a month." Did you change it? notice the implication here? It could Let us analyze this passage thor­ not be a moon or new moon unless oughly. It is the lights which are to there is luminatwn or light ema­ rule over the day and over the nating from the moon. Conse­ night, to divide the darkness from quently the month begins with the the light. The sun is to rule the day first light emitted from the lunar or to delineate the bounds of the crescent. day. Therefore, the lesser light, the Let us prove that fact more moon, is directed to rule over and conclusively. In the Webster's New shine by the night. Evening or World Dictionary of the American sundown begins the scriptural day Language, Second College Edi- ~1IIJi1l (Mark 1:32), as we can also see from tion, under the term luna, Latin for this first chapter of Genesis. moon, the seeker is directed to check used in the Kal verbal formation, Notice in verse 14 that the lights the word light. The following is future tense, means to be new and serve to mark the SEASONS. presented in the etymology: Light. then, "also to polish a sword." Ety­ The Hebrew word is moedim. In "IME. lihf OE. leoht, akin to G. mologists have well observed that its Psalm 104:19 we read, "He ap­ Licht IE. base ·leuk-, to shine, primary sense is that of cutting or pointed the moon lor seasons bright, whence Gr. leukos, white, L. polishing. It is from the same word (moedim in Hebrew): The sun knows lux & lumen, light lucere, to shine family as chadar, chadaq, and the his going down." Moed in Hebrew luna, moon, W. llug, gleamJ. Conse­ signification of newness of the moon means "an assembly." It is from a quently, the word for moon in the appears to proceed from that of a root word which means, "an appoint­ Indo-European languages, from sharp. polished, splendid sword, as is ment, a fixed time, a festival, a which comes our term lunation is the appearance of the new crescent year, an assembly, or a signaL" based on the term luna-moon, moon. As a consequence of these defini­ which in turn relates to light. There How perfectly clear when we do tions we can readily note that the cannot be a moon without light in not seek to support the concept of a moon is the heavenly body Yahweh the sphere. humanly-invented calendar such as designated to set the fixed times The same is also true of the t.he Chr-stians have adopted and during which we shall gather to spectrum of Semitic cognates as placed in general use, and as the worship Almighty Yahweh in a shown in The New Brown­ Jews have adopted since their dis­ convocation. Readily perceptible also Driver-Briggs-Gesenius' Hebrew persion. The root of the word is the candid fact that the moon is and English Lexicon. The term chodesh is a burnished sword or the heavenly body whose movements yerach is associated with the first slice (crescent) of the new will punctuate the old year, and shining objects-the sun and stars. moon, which appears like a bur­ begin the new year, while the Gesenius specifies the root word nished sword in the heavens. This earth's orbit around the sun marks yarach as meaning "to be yellow." means something that is visible and the yearly cycle. The seasons change The second word in the Hebrew not an astronomically calculated with this annual earthly passage for moon is chodesh. It is from a phenomenon when nothing is visible through space, while it tilts on its prime root meaning "to be new or in the heavens. axis to allow rising and falling of cause to rebuild." There you have it After the moon has ended its solar activity, but the shorter time precisely! Unless there is a lumina­ decrease in emitting light, it turns period is a lunation-one new moon tion from a rebuilding moon, there dark for several nights, with no light crescent to another-29 days, 12 cannot be a new month, a lunation! visible. Then once more it begins to hours, 44 minutes, 2.8 seconds in In fact, the English word month is emit light, as a new crescent length. derived from mona, the Anglo­ appears (like a burnished sword) in In order to comprehend more Saxon word meaning "moon." The the evening heavens soon after accurately which moon we should Greek word for moon is selaynay sundown. This lunar light increases utilize to begin a new year, let us and means brilliance. Again the each night. Such an unmistakable concentrate on the Hebrew words for word implies or directly means light sign in the heavens could not be moon. The word yareach #3394 in or lumination. There cannot. be a misread by even the most humble Strong's Exhaustive Concordance month without a visible moon. The and uneducated shepherd boy, who of the Bible is the Hebrew word for two words are synonymous! Inciden­ upon seeing this new sword-shaped moon. This word is from a root. tally, Gesenius indicates that the crescent would immediately know #3391, yeruch, meaning "a lunation, root for chodesh (chadash), when that a new moon (or a new month)

3 I and this harvest will be brought modern Hebrew dictionary defines it I forth through the rain of sound as "spring" and in current Hebrew doctrine accompanied by the Holy writing it is spelled Aviv, as in Tel Spirit which fell on this New Aviv, the city by that name. The Testament day. Let us see then how Assemblies of Yahweh members do this agricultural season of Israel will not use the name Nisan, since Nisan pinpoint the time when Almighty is the name of the pagan Babylonian Yahweh begins His new year, which mighty one of spring (but spring determines the datings of all His specified in a different, pagan way), annual feast days. which the Jews carried back to Judea with them after the captivity. The Plain Statement Let us now read Deuteronomy Possibly the most candid Scrip­ 16:1 again, inserting the literal ture in the entire Bible on this translation of the Hebrew words. had begun. subject, which encapsulates the "Watch for the nero moon of green Starting Point of directive by our Heavenly Father ears. and keep the unto Scriptural New Year Yahweh concerning how we should Yahweh•••• " How truly enlight­ begin our new year, is Deuteronomy ening! The passover month must be Perhaps you have previously 16:1. "OBSERVE THE MONTH OF observed in the spring, when green failed to recognize the fact that all ABIB, AND KEEP THE PASs.. heads of grain appear at the time of the feast days of Yahweh which OVER TO YAHWEH YOUR when a new moon is visible. Essen­ He has legislated in Leviticus chap­ ELOHlM; FOR IN THE MONTH tially, what we find commanded in ter 23 are closely attached to the OF ABIB YAHWEH YOUR this verse which harmonizes entirely agricultural season of IsraeL The ELOmM BROUGHT YOU FORTH with the remainder of the Scrip­ Bible recognizes an agrarian system. OUT OF EGYPT BY NIGHT." tures, is that the calendar will Ancient Israel was an agrarian Let us obtain a literal translation always be set VISIBLY, BY OBSER­ nation. of the Hebrew words in this passage. VATION, rather than by calculation This seasonal observance of the The term observe is translated from as is common today by most groups i holy days of Yahweh is a perfect the Hebrew word shamor and means who attempt to keep the law of allegorical type of His plan of "to watch for, as with alertness." Yahweh. salvation. Yahshua the Messiah espe. Month is from the Hebrew word Do you see for yourself how cially, in His parables has informed chodesh and means "new moon" as plainly Yahweh has spoken? His people that the agricultural we have seen previously. Abib is Green Ears of What? season in Israel was the way that defined in the Hebrew lexicons as Almighty Yahweh wished to portray "green ears," also meaning spring­ The next question periodically how He would cultivate His human time. They give the following defmi­ encountered asks which grain could crop (which is the human family), tions: Young's Analytical Concor­ be ripening at the time of the spring until at the end of the season (the dance, "sprouting. budding, new new moon. Which grain crop could age of man) there would be a great moon of April or March"; Strong's it be which must be ih green ears or harvest of souls. Yahweh would Exhaustive Concordance of the heads at the time of the new moon begin His plan of salvation with the Bible, "to be tender, green, a young in spring? Must it be grain? Couldn't Messiah Himself, who was depicted ear of grain;" Gesenius' Hebrew it be flowers-crocuses perhaps? This as the firstfruits or wave sheaf Lexicon, "from a root meaning to question is forthrightly answered by offering, offered just like the orner produce fruit, especially early fruit." several passages of Scripture. of barley. He was typical of the Now we may readily comprehend Deuteronomy 16:6 informs us that Passover lamb which was offered which month we are to choose in Israel was to the passover from the firstlings of the animal which to keep the Passover to at the season that they came forth . The 144,000 of the chosen Yahweh! This same month of Abib from Egypt. Reference is made to body of True Worshipers, that select (green ears of first fruits) is to be Exodus 23:15 and 34:18, among other group who follow the Lamb wher­ the first month of the year for us, passages. When we return to Exodus ever He goes, comprise the firstfruits Exodus 12:2. Please see also Exodus chapter 9, we find in verses 13-35 of all the harvest of planted crops. 13:4 and 23:15, 17, also 34:18. In the account of the plague of hail Thanksgiving is offered for these each case Yahweh's Word names the upon Egypt. The devastation upon people at the Feast of Weeks (7 x 7 month for us and we find that it is vegetation was total from this weeks, the number of perfection), called Abib or green ears. The plague. Doctor Immanuel

4 Velikovsky, in his books Ages in of sound doctrines, for example, Chaos and Worlds in Collision, setting aside physical circumcision points out that he believed the hail as a requirement in this present was stones rather than ice. However, New Testament era. Since none of it could have been a violent hail of the had been physically ice balls. Let us concentrate on circumcised during their wilderness Exodus 9:31~32. Since the plague of journey, apparently the Apostolic hail occurred just a short time prior convention at Jerusalem in Acts to the final plague which was the chapter 15, saw fit to set it aside for death of the Egyptian firstborn, we those gentile converts who had not can ascertain at which time of year been circumcised previously, but the Passover occurred. "And the who were willing to learn to live by flax and the barley were destroyed, the commandments of Yahweh. In for THE BARLEY WAS IN THE fact, Yahshua the Israelite leader of EAR, and the flax was in bloom. the is a type of the 15t.h of Abib, which was the But the WHEAT and the SPELT Yahshua the Messiah, who will First High Day of the Feast of were not destroyed: for THEY render the circumcision not made Unleavened Bread, not on the 16th HAD NOT GROWN UP." How with hands, Colossians 2:11 and of Abib as the Jews do today. perfectly plain and clear! The barley Romans 2:28-29. The circumcision Incidentally, if you have never seen was in the GREEN EARS STAGE ritual at Gilgal took place in t.he importance of keeping the Pass­ at the season when Israel came out preparation for the first Passover to over and Feast of U nlea vened Bread of Egypt! It is the BARLEY which be observed in the Holy Land. One in t.his New Testament. era, please is the FIRST RIPE GRAIN ready of the prerequisites in the'law for read 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. Then, write for cutting during the days of observing the Passover is circumci­ in to Assemblies of Yahweh, P.O. unleavened bread that is offered as sion, Exodus 12:43-49, (in the New Box C, Bethel, PA 19507, and . the omer to Yahweh, Leviticus Testament era circumcision of the request some of our free literature 23:9-14. heart is the prerequisite). on t.he subject of Yahweh's feast Beginning with this wave sheaf After preparation by circumci­ days. If you are sincere, you will day the seven weeks are counted sion, Israel celebrated their first begin to keep Yahweh's feasts. toward the 50th day, Shavuoth, Passover in the Holy Land. They Visible or Calculated , or the Feast of Weeks. If used old grain of the land to bake New Moon? you have not as yet seen this unleavened cakes for the memorial, amazing truth made plain and and then they took of the new grain Now for some additional scholar· simple so you can understand it, of the Promised Land on the day ship which will support the visible write in to our offices immediately following Passover and following the new moon over the astronomically and request this enlightening item of omer offering they ate parched grain calculated new moon. When literature on the Feast of Weeks. also. Yahshua our Messiah was living on While Israel was in the wilder­ Once more we may observe the this earth He observed the feasts of ness it would have been impossible illustrative content of the Holy Yahweh with His Jewish brethren. for them to cut a wave sheaf of first Scriptures. Israel cut the wave sheaf However, at that time (as we saw ripe grain because they did not ON THE DAY FOLLOWING PASS­ previously), the new moons were plant crops in that barren, unculti­ OVER DAY (the 15th day of Abib), fixed in Jerusalem by the Sanhedrin. vated, waste-howling wilderness. and then they began to harvest some The following quote is taken from Nevertheless, it is important that we of the agricultural crops which they The Jewish Encyclopedia article understand that they did observe did not plant, Yahshua 5:11 and "New Moon." "The Sanhedrin was the holy days in tl)e wilderness. The Deuteronomy 6:10-11. Evidently this assembled in the courtyard of the ritual of cutting the wave sheaf first Passover in the Holy Land Temple in Jerusalem on the 30th of

could not take place in the wilder­ fell on a weekly Sabbath. The wave each month from morning to even- I ness, consequently the first opportu­ sheaf was offered on the first day of ing, waiting for the reports of those nity for Israel to perform this the week, the day following the appointed to observe the new moon." ceremony was upon their entry into Passover, which was the 15th of In Hastings' Dictionary of the the Holy Land. Abib, the feast day. This plainly Bible we find the following comment I Yahshua chapter 5 is a memo­ reveals to us on which day Israel cut in the article "New Moon." "There rable passage since it accurately the wave sheaf offering. Remember, was NO FIXED CALENDAR TILL establishes precedent for a number Israel cut the wave sheaf offering on THE 14TH CENTURY [C.E.] and

5 was declared intercalary, and a be added to the year automaticallg thirteenth was added. This question each time it becomes nece88arg to was settled by the Sanhedrin, and keep the feasts within their sea­ there were certain regulations laid sons according to the agricultural down to guide their decision. The harvest in PaiJ1stine. opening of the month of [AbibJ was New Moon Messengers also proclaimed by them. This took place when messengers came who In the Cyclopedia of Biblical, had actually seen the new moon. It Theological, and Ecclesiastical was not until the time of the Literature authored by John Messiah that there came to be a McClintock and James Strong, we fixed caiJ1ndar." find some further interesting THE NEW MOON WAS information in their article under DECLARED FROM ACTUAL The Thirteenth Month the heading "New Moon." "As the OBSERVATION. The eye-witnesses Since the question of the thir­ festivals, according to the Mosaic were carefully examined on the 30th teenth month has now arisen, it law, are always to be celebrated on day of each month (especially of the might be well to discuss this feature the same day of the month, it was months of Nisan IAbibj, Ab, Elul, of the scriptural calendar. The solar incumbent upon the spiritual guides Tishri, Chislev, and Adar), and, if year is composed of 365 days, 5 of the nation to fix the commence­ the testimony of the witnesses was hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds, ment of the month, which was accepted, that day was declared while the lunar month is 29 days, 12 determined by the APPEARANCE 'sanctified' by fiat of the Sanhedrin," hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds. of the new moon. Hence the authori" (emphasis ours). This means that the lunar month is ties at Jerusalem, from remotest From the same article on the new not divisible equally into a solar times, ordered messengers to occupy moon in the Hastings' Bible dic­ year. The 12-month year of the the commanding heights around the ' tionary we find the following two strictly lunar calendar is approxi­ metropolis, on the 30th day of the passages, "The New Moon was mately 11 days shorter than the month, to watch the sky; these, as announced in Judea till the year solar year. Therefore, the feasts of soon as they observed the moon, 225, when the declaration was made Yahweh would float around the year hastened to communicate it to the in Tiberias.... After the 4th cen­ out of their accurate seasons if it synod; for the sake of speed, they tury, the new moon was no longer were not for the addition of the were even allowed, during the exis­ fixed by observation, but the intercalary month every several tence of the Temple, to travel on the Karaites restored the older years to adjust the calendar to keep Sabbath and profane the sacred day custom." A most enlightening com­ the feasts in their season. The (Mishna Rosh ha-Shanah, i, 4)," ment is made in the bibliography at Moslems do not use an intercalary (emphasis ours). the end of this article. It reads, month; therefore, their feasts circu­ "Epstein, Althemer, Poznanski, JQR, late around the seasons of the The Switch to Calculation x.p. 152ff (This writer holds that year. Yahweh has commanded us to Perhaps this following quote is the new moon was also fixed keep His feasts in their season, one of the most interesting com· empirically (by observation) by Deuteronomy 16:6. ments in this McClintock and some Rabbinates as late as the Not understanding that the past Strong's article: "According to 10th century)." In the above quote ages have ended in indescribable Maimonides, the Rabbinists from Hastings' Bible dictionary, the cataclysms, some people feel that ALTERED their method when the "older custom" obviously means there should be no thirteenth month Sanhedrin ceased to exist, and have observation. added to each year since the crea­ ever since determined the month by An additional authoritarian quote tion should have been perfect. It is ASTRONOMICAL CALCULATION, from Hastings' Bible dictionary true that the Bible does not speak of while the KARAITES have re­ under the article "Passover" reads, a 13th month in the scriptural year, tained the. OLD CUSTOM of "The day of celebration was deter­ but by the same token it is not. depending on the APPEARANCE mined by the condition of the required to deal with such a subject. of the MOON," (emphasis ours). harvest. If this did not promise in The plain and concise directives Apparently this statement by the 12th month to be ready to be have been given to us by Almighty Maimonides prompted the clear gathered in four weeks, and the Yahweh concerning how to begin the statement in the Hastings Bible animals were not yet grown suffi· scriptural year. These directives are dictionary that the various Jewish ciently for sacrifice, then the month so specific that the 13th month will 'congregations set their own feast

6 days until the 10th century, which Jewish settlements from Palestine. A would bring us to about the time of permanent calendar, still in force, Maimonides. Maimonides wrote a was introduced by Hillel II, nasi of treatise on the calendar from which the Sanhedrin about 360 tCE.I. It this quote is taken. This statement is uncertain what the calendar of by Rabbi Moses Maimonides should Hillel originally contained when it cast a great amount of adverse was generally adopted. In the reflection upon the rules of Hillel. Talmud there is no trace of it," Much has been written about the (emphasis ours). rabbinical practice of changing days Although various scholars claim so that the holy days would fall on to be following the calendar of certain, specific days of the week Hillel, there is no evidence that any and not on others-a weekly Sab­ of the rules he formulated remain been using a computer program to bath, a Tuesday and Thursday. extant today. As a consequence we predict the days on which the new Doctor Solomon Zeitlin in his can only surmise that somewhere moon can be sighted. In this way the article called "The Judean Calendar along the way the rules were lost, if brethren will be alert to watching During the Second Commonwealth, they existed as such, consequently for the new crescent. The brethren and the Scrolls" published by the no one can claim to be using the are also instructed to look for the Jewish Quarterly Review, July calendar of Hillel even though they new moon on the previous evening 1966, states, "During the Second are today using a calculated cal­ to ensure the correctness of the date. Commonwealth down to the fourth endar to set their holy days. Actu­ Many factors enter into the subject century C.E. the festival of Passover ally, some scholars doubt that the of new moon visibility-hence the could fall on any day of the week calendar of Hillel was anywhere use of the computer. Here are a few: including Friday." So we can see near as rigid as are the rules for There must be sufficient light in the that the practice currently in vogue setting the modern Jewish calendar. moon to mark its visibility as a of selecting certain days on which Apparently his prominent name was crescent, the necessary length of the feasts should fall (as we may attached to the calculated calendar time after sunset, with satisfactory observe that the Jewish calendar merely to lend it credibility. twilight (darkness), and distance does today) is foreign to the Bible When New Moon from the earth, etc. Pinpointing the and to the religious practice in the Becomes Visible correct day when the new crescent Temple during the time of the visibility should occur is no easy Messiah. Therefore, we may be Someone has at one time origi­ matter and each year requires assured that the Messiah regulated nated the idea that the new moon several days of work on the part of His observances by the very same cannot be observed visually until at the directing elder and some of his calendar in use by the Assemblies of least 22 hours after the astronomical staff. Yahweh today, since it follows the conjunction. In my possession is a From Where to Watch commandments of the sacred Scrip· letter from the U.S. Naval Observa­ for New Moon tures. tory which states that a new moon In The Jewish Encyclopedia can be observed visually 18 hours Another question which arises article entitled "Calendar," we find after the astronomical conjunction, periodically concerns the place from this comment: "There were times of depending on the point of observa­ which· the new moon should be persecution when the president and tion and climatical conditions. But, reckoned, and the place from which Sanhedrin could not exercise their such a sighting has been seriously the feasts are to be set. Various authority: times of trouble and war questioned and it is our belief that arguments could be advanced that when neither witnesses nor messen­ the new moon can rarely be seen the feasts should be announced only gers could travel in safety. On such less than 24 hours after the conjunc­ from Jerusalem, since this is the occasions calculation had to be relied tion. Especially around the time of place from which the law shall go upon. The substitution of calculation the spring equinoctial points, the forth to all the earth. But that will for observation became gradually length of time between conjunction occur in the days of the Messiah, permanent, helping to maintain the to possible observation is greatly Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:2. Some religious unity of the nation, and reduced. However, in the summer misguided individuals even attempt insuring the uniform celebration of and fall of the year the length from to do away with the feasts, predi­ "the seasons of [YahwehJ," inde· the conjunction to the sighting of cated upon the concept that the pendentig of the Dicissitudes of the the moon is greatly lengthened. feasts cannot be properly set from times, as well as the distance of For a number of years we have Jerusalem since there is no sitting

7 and reported to the headquarters Some people point to 1 Samuel Yahweh has selected for today­ 20:18, 24, to prove that during the Bethel. This visible new moon will time of David the calendar was normally fall on one of the two days calculated. However, from actual which has been specified by the Jews personal experience with many years of the dispersion on their common of observation of the moon phases, calculated calendar. Thus Assemblies the author knows that it is possible of Yahweh can know, where the to predict from observation with a Jews and those who imitate them fair degree of accuracy, the time cannot, which one of these days to that a visible new moon will appear. observe. Obviously Israel was an agrarian people, a people who lived in the When Ears Are Green open air, farming and tending flocks Sanhedrin. The question has been asked and herds after their entry into the However, to the Samaritan relative to the development of the Holy Land. They were concerned woman of Shechem, Yahshua our green ears of barley, just how well with the weather and climatic condi­ Messiah explains, " .•• the hour developed they must be at the spring tions because their existence comes, when neither in this moun­new moon. Doctor Alfred depended upon fruitful crops. From tain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you Eidersheim in his highly esteemed a small child they would be taught worship the Father.... But the work, The Temple, Its Ministry and by learned elders how to watch for hour comes, and now is, when the Service, describes how a common the new moon, just as was the i true worshiper shall worship the plot of ground was set aside for the author when he was a boy. Our . Father in spirit and truth: lor such raising of the barley for Yahweh's family watched the phases of the does the Father seek to be his wave sheaf. As pointed out pre­ moon because we were farmers. worshipers. Yahweh is Spirit: and viously in this article, the meaning In the library here at Bethel we they that worship him must wor­of the word Abib indicates that the have amassed a wealth of scholar­ ship in spirit and truth," John 4:21, green ears must be fully developed ship which would be too tedious 23-24. by the time the new moon crescent reading for the average individuaL Today the "Israel of Yahweh" is appears in the sky. When we turn to Consequently, we shall not quote worshiping just as did our fore­ Leviticus 2:14-16, we find that the more than we have already given at fathers in the wilderness when they firstfruits offering could be dried by this time. Should some reader be came up out of Egypt, in a parching so that it could be milled interested in reading more of this temporary tabernacle. The Holy into fine flour. In addition, parching research material, we invite you to Spirit of Yahweh directs Yahweh's of the grain creates tasty food, come to Bethel and spend a day ordained elders to choose a place for almost like eating roasted peanuts. perusing our library. an encampment convocation for Please see Ruth 2:14. Briefly in summary, it is unques­ worship at the feast days. Israel The Sanhedrin had decreed that tionable but that the Scriptures observed the Passover in Egypt the green ears would have to be declare that the new year of under the direction of Almighty sufficiently developed so that they Yahweh begins in the spring, with Yahweh and so we today should could be beaten out with a flail, but the first visible light of the moon. observe His holy days in the land of they could be pasty, which would The new year moon must occur at our sojourn, in congregation with allow them to be dried so that they the time of ripening barley so that a other believers, of course, Hebrews could be milled into flour. Therefore wave sheaf could be cut. 10:25. {Yahshua said: "neither in the grain could have been in varying The question now for you is: Will this mountain [GerizimJ nor in stages of ripeness, but it had to be you be obedient to the Word? Will . Jerusalem',. In setting the dates for in fully developed ears at the time you WATCH FOR the new moon of the scriptural holy days, the Assem­ of the new moon so that it could be green ears this coming year? To aid blies of Yahweh seeks to use as our threshed out during the feast. you in doipg so, a free calendar starting point an observable new setting forth the feast days is moon, as the Word of Yahweh Calculation in the Bible available from AssemOlies of directs us. Since the major land Attempts have been made at Yahweh upon request. Write to our areas of the earth are situated various times to prove from the address on t.he inside front cover. roughly on one side of the globe, we Bible that the Jewish calendar was Then you will be aware of the time accept the visible moon as sighted calculated as early as the time of when the new moon should be from somewhere on the continents the . Messiah's mission on earth. visible.

8 They are mentioned as days of The First Day of the worship, along with the Sabbaths, in Scriptural Month Isaiah 66:23. "And it shall come to pass. that from one new moon to In the Assemblies of Yahweh, we another, and from one sabbath to observe the first day of each scrip­ another, shall all flesh come to tural month (which is the new moon worship before me, says Yahweh." day), as a time of assembly for They are mentioned in the same special sacred worship. While we do verse with other applicable laws in not find that these days are com­ Colossians 2:16, "Let no man judge manded to be observed as Holy you therefore in meat, or in drink, Sabbaths, special offerings were or in respect of a feast day, or a made on these days during the era new moon, or a sabbath." Paul in­ of the animal sacrifice law. See formed us here that they are Yahweh. On the scriptural New Numbers 28:11-15. The new moon shadows of things to come. A Year day, we may look about us to offerings correspond in number to shadow, you will remember, is a find a new beginning after Al­ the feast offerings, showing the protection cast by a larger object. mighty Yahweh has miraculously importance of these days. From this In 46:3, the people who spared His people during the pre­ knowledge we find that during the will live on this earth during the vious year. It might be well to recall new covenant era, we would be time of Yahweh's Kingdom are that Noah was in the ark for one obligated to gather together for commanded to worship on the full year and 10 days, until Al­ worship, to offer special sacrifices to Sabbaths and also on the new mighty Yahweh commanded him to Almighty Yahweh of the praises of moons, according to the . depart from the ark, quite a long our lips, Hebrews 13:15-16. While "And the people of the land shall time actually. the worldly ch-rches hold prayer worship at the door of the !gate In Exodus 12:2, we find that meetings on a day of their own before Yahweh on the sabbaths Almighty Yahweh has instructed choosing, the Bible Studies and and on the new moons." If the new Israel that the first day of the first prayer sessions of the Assemblies of moons will be days of worship in the scriptural month (Abib) was to be Yahweh are held on the days which Millennium, they are already days the first month of the year to them. have been chosen and ordained by of worship now! We must learn Today the Jews observe the first day our Heavenly Father. their importance now. of the seventh month as Rosh While preparing a Bible study for The initial mention of the first Hashana (head of the year). Interest­ our recent new moon services here day of the first scriptural month is ingly, in the Israel Magazine, an at Bethel, I could not help but note found in Genesis chapter 8. Noah issue of 1972, in the possession of the obvious importance the inspired had believed Almighty Yahweh. As the author, a rabbi authored an Scriptures attach to the first day of Yahweh had instructed, Noah pre­ article which pointed out some of the scriptural month. After giving pared the ark to shelter himself and the inconsistencies between what the the Bible study it was suggested to his family during the deluge. Having Bible teaches and what is actually me that I write up this study in been saved from Yahweh's judgment, taught by modern Judaism. Among article form so that the entire Noah sent out a raven and a dove as these traditions which he indicated brotherhood could benefit from it. the waters receded and the ark came as unscriptural was their new year. The first day of the scriptural to rest on Mount Ararat. It was on He also explained that the keeping month is mentioned repeatedly the first day of the tenth scriptural of the new moons is commanded in throughout the Bible and the signifi­ month that the tops of the moun­ the Bible and suggested that the cance which is attached to it will tains were seen, verse 5. When the new moons be set aside as a teach us a special spiritual lesson. dove did not return to the ark after national holiday each month. Others Let us look at these things prayer­ having brought back the olive leaf, have suggested the same, but to no fully and gain the lessons which the sign of dry land, it was on the avail. have been placed in the Word for us. first day of the first month that One of the most outstanding· Frequently we read over various Noah removed the covering from the examples of power from on High I terms in the sacred Scriptures with­ ark and saw the face of the dry being manifested at a new moon. out fully comprehending them. So it ground, verse 13. The significance of meeting was at the construction and i

I is. with the new moons. You. may this event could mean that on a new dedication of Israel's tabernacle in have read over this term without moon day we should look above the the wilderness. You may read of this I recognizing its significance. cares of this life for the salvation of incident in Exodus chapter 40. It

9 by our Father in heaven and very various Assemblies of Yahweh possibly some of the judgments from Feasts of Tabernacles when this Yahweh could be poured out upon book was read will recall tha:t this this wicked world during the feast book requires approximately three days, while the people of Yahweh hours to read. This book could have are gathered together in congrega­ been preached during the evening tion. Recall that the new moon hours of the new moon day. The visible on certain days regulates the historic event which occurred later feast days. Representatives of the that day was the viewing by Moses Assemblies of Yahweh conduct meet­ of the promised land from Mount ings on the new moons in their Nebo and his death and burial. areas and the people should assem­ Please see Deuteronomy chapter 34. ble with the man of EI on those Notice that Israel mourned Moses days, 2 Kings 4:22-24. Sermons on for 30 days (verse 8), which would cassette tape are always available have brought them right up to the for the scattered brethren. Contact new moon marking the 12th month. was after Moses had completed the Home Offices for further Aaron the priest, the brother of construction of the tabernacle and information on this program. Moses, had died exactly six months had sanctified the priests to serve, Numbers chapter 9 appears to previously, on the first day (new that the glory of Yahweh filled the backtrack in time sequence before moon) of the fifth month, Numbers tent of meeting so that Moses could chapter 1. It was on a new moon 33:38. It is interesting to note that not enter because of the mighty day, the same day that the taber­ the number five in scriptural numer­ power from on High which rested nacle was erected, that Almighty ology represents "grace." Conse­ upon this symbol of the pure Yahweh ordered that the Passover quently, we can note that for Aaron, worship. Notice that it was on the was to be observed by Israel in the the end of his grace period for scriptural New Year day (the first wilderness. This same -chapter con­ disobedience to the command of day of the first month of the second tains the law of the second Passover Yahweh had arrived. Numbers year of the journey of Israel from observance, which Israel was to keep 20:12-13. Egypt) when Moses erected the if they were unable to keep the Our next contact with the new tabernacle and arranged the pure observance in the first month, moon comes in 2 Chronicles 29:17. worship. Having accurately com­ should anyone be ritually defiled Hezekiah, the great reformer king of pleted his job, the glory of Yahweh because of a death in the immediate Judah, had given command for the filled the house. Please note espe­ family, or if they had to be away on pure worship to be restored. Subse­ cially verses 2, 17, and 34. a distant journey. All Israelites were quently, the priests began to cleanse Another new moon meeting was required to observe the Passover on the . The cleansing held according to the record of the 14th day of the first month if was begun on the first day of the Numbers 1:1. Just one month after they were ritually clean to do so. first scriptural month. Time was Israel had erected the tabernacle, The first part of this 9th chapter of insufficient to cleanse the Temple of Yahweh told Moses to number Israel Numbers appears to be a restate­ Yahweh thoroughly in advance of and he conducted the census of the ment of the law of the Passover as the Passover observance in the first camp. The primary lesson which I recorded in Exodus chapter 12. On month, so Hezekiah the king ordered feel that the Heavenly Father has the new year new moon day, it that the memorial be observed in the for us here would be that it is should be our intention to examine second month_ imperative for us to gather together ourselves spiritually so that we will It is imperative that the brethren in the congregations to study the be ritually clean to be accepted by in the Messiah come before Yahweh Word on the new moon day. If we Yahweh and our hearts prepared to with pure hearts at the Passover are not faithful in doing this, we observe His Memorial Supper two season. Should repentance and may eventually be omitted from the weeks later. cleansing take additional time so final census of Israel when Yahshua Deuteronomy 1:3 holds the that when the 14th day of the first returns. information that it was on a new month arrives the introspection has It is imperative that True Wor­ moon occasion, the first day of the not been completed, then self exami­ ;;hipers gather in the congregation 11th month, that Moses preached the nation must be cOntinued and the on the weekly Sabbaths and the sermon to Israel which became the Passover observed in the second feast days, Hebrew 10:25. In these scriptural book of Deuteronomy. month. Yahshua may have had this last days we are offered protection Those who were in attendance at the in mind when He instructed us

10 according to Matthew 5:23-24. Again had made an indelible impression we should find significance in the upon the people of Judah. They fact that the cleansing of the Temple respected the authority of Almighty began on the first day of the first Yahweh which he represented. They month, indicating that the self­ trembled at the law of Yahweh, examination and cleansing of our Ezra 9:4. What was Ezra to advise spiritual house should begin on that these people when he was informed day also, each year prior to the of the illegitimate marriages? Was it Memorial Supper. not cruel to separate men and Another interesting fact emerges women who were married, but in from a study of the new moon day the sight of Yahweh not legally, in the. Scriptures wherein Ezra the especially when children were scribe departed from Babylon on the involve.d? Ezra prayed and confessed MlIlIIijf first day of the first month and the of Judah before Yahweh. The arrived in Jerusalem on the first hearts of the people became con­ day of the fifth month (both new victed by his teaching. They deter­ moon days-remember). Therefore, mine.d to obey Yahweh! Ezekiel the prophet had been sent he and his party obviously observed In the tenth chapter the account to captive Israel residing by the the Passover on the pilgrimage, not continues how Ezra spoke to the river Chebar. Ezekiel was a priest in pagan Babylon. You may read elders of Israel, urging them to who had been sent to instruct the this account in Ezra 7. separate from their illegal wives. remnant of the 10 northern tribes Notice the concept expressed in The Holy Spirit of Yahweh had who were by them released from verse 10 which follows the account move.d convicting the hearts of those Assyrian captivity. Ezekiel was to of his journey. "For Ezra had set people and they with one accord call for repentance among the Israel· his heart to seek the law of Yah­ separated from the illegal wives ite captives and present, as one of weh' and to do it, and to teach which they had taken and the the signs of his anointing from in Israel statutes and ordinances." children they had begotten. Some­ Yahweh, predictions of the immi­ The meaning of Babylon, as you times great willpower and determi­ nent destruction of Jerusalem by know, can be spiritualized, as can nation are required to undo a wrong Babylon, which occurred in 586 Jerusalem. Consequently, the jour­ done in our past lives. But, foremost B.C.E. While studying the signifi­ ney of Ezra from pagan worship in our thoughts we must always cance of the new moons, the author to pure worship required a full carry a vision of the goal of seeking was amaze.d at how often Ezekiel four months. But starting his jour­ first the Kingdom of Yahweh and had receive.d from ney on the first day of the first His righteousness. True repentance Yahweh on the first day (new moon scriptural month Ezra indeed taught brings about conversion and conver­ day) of the month. Notice Ezekiel us that he wanted to depart from sion means facilitating a COM­ chapter 13:1; 26:1; 29:17. In addition, Babylon to keep the Passover in PLETE CHANGE in the lives of in chapter 45, verse 18, we find the a pure place, just as Israel had sincere people. instruction to cleanse the Temple on desired to depart from Egypt. In Nehemiah chapter 8, we the first day of the first month. Ezra was a teacher of the law, observe that Ezra and the Levites You will certainly find some deep having been granted this authority read and interpreted the law of significance in these references as a priest of Yahweh. In order to Yahweh on another new moon day, which we have perused, and when teach, a· close study of the law is the first day of the month, this time you me.ditate on them, many addi­ necessary. Ezra had been made the seventh month which is the tional thoughts will emerge. Since aware of some rather startling Feast of Trumpets, verse 3. Israel the Bethel Assembly of Yahweh requirements in the law as he was had been in Babylonian bondage and began to observe the new moon days, studying, among them was a prohibi­ had to relearn the law of Yahweh, we have indeed received rich bless­ tion against the people of Yahweh accepting the teaching of the priests ings from Yahweh. The author hopes marrying wives of other nation­ whom Almighty Yahweh had place.d that this study will give you greater alities (Deuteronomy 7:3-5). The men in charge of the congregation. In determination to serve our Heavenly . of Judah had marrie.d women of Haggai 1:1, we notice yet another Father on the days which He has eight different pagan nations and new moon observance that relates to ordained and set apart for this there were even some children of this era of the return from Baby­ purpose, times when He descends these marriages involved. However, lonian captivity. Please review what upon us through His Holy Spirit to we find that the teaching of Ezra happened by reading Ezra 4:5. meet with His people. SNB

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