Faith to Faith: Christian-Jewish Relations

Tabernacles - Sukkot:
A Jewish View of Christian Observance

With awesome eagerness Jews and Christians are anticipating the messianic age. We differ about who the Messiah will be, but our common belief in Hebrew Scripture provides many points of agreement about the events that will surround his coming. The age of peace will climax yearly in the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles. Jew and Gentile, Israel and the Nations will worship together in peace: "It shall be that all those who are left over from the nations who have invaded Jerusalem will come up every year to worship the King Hashem, Master of Legions, and to celebrate the festival of Tabernacles [Succot]" (Zechariah 14:16).

Part of this celebration will include The Four Species (Leviticus 23:40): "And you shall take for yourselves on the first day [of Tabernacles] the fruit of goodly trees [Esrog-Citron], the branches of date palms [Lulav], twigs of a plaited tree [Hadas–Myrtle], and brook willows [Arava] . . . ." As Jews we "take" the Four Species by waving them (to signify God’s omnipresence) and parading them in synagogue. There is much symbolism here: the unity of the Jewish People, the human body (and how it is to serve God), as well as more mystical interpretations. The "heart" of the Four Species is the Esrog, a distinct species of citrus called the citron. Jews throughout history have paid handsomely for a beautiful specimen of what is believed to be the "apple" of the Garden of Eden. Why? It is God’s command. However, with its observance comes the promise of messianic redemption.

I have been growing Esrog trees for some years. I reasoned (correctly) that my fellow Jews would enthusiastically adorn their houses (and read my book The Esrog) as a perennial reminder of this precious commandment and holiday. I was totally unprepared for the calls from Christians not only for Esrog trees, but also the Four Species, Sukkahs and even Shofars for Rosh Hashana. Even more amazing was the discovery that whole churches would establish "temporary dwellings" at "Feast of Tabernacles" celebrations. More "mainstream" Christians too, it seems, are preparing for the Messianic Era by incorporating Tabernacles into ritual, enhancing Fall Festivals or planning safe, non-pagan alternatives to Halloween.

Some special events were indeed unfolding with the approaching millennium The interest in the Hebrew roots of Christianity, the establishment of the State of Israel, the resurgence of practice among the Jewish people, and the return to Zion of Russian and Ethiopian Jews confirms my belief in the imminence of the Messiah. All this motivated me to intensify my Jewish learning about THE messianic festival for Jews: Tabernacles. But it is not only for Jews. It is a Festival for the Nations. And soon, what I thought was going to be a few notes turned into a book: Tabernacles - Succot: When the Messiah Feasts with Jews and Gentiles, which crystallized for me the Messianic significance of Tabernacles from both Jewish and Christian perspectives. It forced me to consider God’s purpose for Christianity (from a Jewish view); and God’s purpose for Judaism (from a Christian view). In reviewing my manuscripts, my Christian friends wanted to know more about Tabernacles; accordingly I included a stepwise guide to celebrating Succot in the home and synagogue.

The Ethics of the Fathers (4:1) asks "Who is wise?" and answers, "He who learns from every person." I am fortunate and thankful that from people like those reading this article, I have merited to grow in my learning.

It is my fervent hope that many will also study, learn, and grow from my books and in their merit, may we witness the coming of the Mashiach ben David and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, speedily and in our days.

For more information on how you can obtain the Four Species for your celebration, or for Esrog trees, our books on The Esrog and Tabernacles - Succot: When the Messiah Feasts with Jews and Gentiles, and other Judaica, contact David Wiseman at 972 931 5596. http://members.aol.com/zrsesrog/messiah.htm , or email zrsesrog@aol.com .

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