A New Beginning

Rosh Hashanah begins today at sundown. This, the Jewish New Year, starts a special 10-day period which ends on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). God commanded that, during this special time, each of His people would search their soul and seek to make things right with Him and other people (Leviticus 23).

On this day, many Jewish households carry on the tradition of Tashlich (“to cast off”). As Sam Nadler has described, this tradition “involves going to the sea shore or to the bank of a river.” There, “participants toss bread crumbs into the water as prayers are said regarding God’s forgiveness.” This practice is meant as a reminder that God promises to forgive and have compassion on us, and that He does not retain His anger forever. In fact, He casts our sins “into the depths of the sea.”

So why did God command that this was to be observed as one of His feasts, to be celebrated forever (Leviticus 23:2)? Because He knew that all of us sin, and we all need a new beginning.

Today, ask God to cleanse your heart. Confess your sins, worries, and problems. Take time to repent if there are things that block the flow of God’s blessings for you…if your peace has been robbed by anxiety or worry…or if you have allowed sin or bad habits to dominate your life.

Be honest with God, and lay your burdens and sins at His feet. He is ready to forgive you, so make sure you accept His forgiveness!

Remember: God wants to bless you in new ways. Experience the joy of complete forgiveness and cleansing. Then start celebrating. Let this be a day of new beginnings!