Jews Celebrate the Feast of the Tabernacles

JERUSALEM - Earlier this month, Jews celebrated Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - followed ten days later by Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. Now Jews and many Christians are celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles or Succot.

During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jews in Israel build what they call succas or tabernacles.

The succa or booth is central to celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles. It represents the booths or tabernacles the Israelites dwelled after escaping the bondage of Egypt.

The Bible says in Leviticus "live in booths for seven days, so your descendants will know that I had Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt."

Jesus Attended the Feast

The New Testament says Jesus also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Gospel of John says "On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

Today, thousands of Christian pilgrims come to Israel from all over the world to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

But in light of all the economic uncertainty in the world today, some believe the feast also provides a timely reminder of God's promise of protection.

"I believe this is the time for us to realize ultimately putting our hope in God is the answer," Wayne Hilsden, pastor of the King of Kings congregation told CBN News.

"In God we trust. We don't trust in the dollar bill or the euro. We trust in God," Hilsden explained. "And the Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the fact that we're on a pilgrimage. Not only are we in perilous times, but we're on a pilgrimage and life is not about just what we experience here on this Earth. We're destined for a city without foundations, who's maker and builder is God," he said.