Update From Sderot 9/19/09

Yesterday, Israel celebrated the first of the Fall Feasts, Rosh Hashanah. The name Rosh Hashanah means "beginning or head of the year." This celebration marks the beginning of the High Holy Days on the Jewish calendar. The Bible refers to Rosh Hashanah as the Feast of Trumpets, and it begins the Ten Days of Awe that conclude with Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement. This is a wonderful time to seek the Lord, repent for wrongdoing, and consecrate ourselves to God, thanking Him for His work in our lives.

We spent the shabbat evening at one of the volunteer's (Kobi) parent's home eating the traditional Rosh Hashanah meal. I have to say Israelis love to gather together to share a meal. And there doesn't seem to be any shortage of invites. Each meal begins with the blessing of the wine and then the bread. Then the array of salads, which is always followed by an entree of fish. You then watch in amazement as side dish after side dish is brought out and placed on the table. And just when you think you can't eat another bite, several more meat dishes find their way to the table. Somehow every bare space of table top if filled with something delicious.
And just when you think the meal is over, several more plates of sweet pastries and fresh fruit arrive along with fresh coffee and tea. I can't help but think of Abraham preparing a meal for the three visitors in Genesis 18. Somehow I no longer see that as Abraham throwing a quick bite together.