In this episode we focus on Rosh Hashanah, one of the four Jewish new years, a day of judgment, and a fearful but festive holiday which Jews around the world celebrated just days before we recorded. We introduce Christians to the holiday from a Jewish perspective, discuss the idea of a new year, the nature of judgment, the trouble Christians have with Leviticus, and how Jews see Leviticus very, very differently. We also delve into the nature of creation, define the word mitzvah (“commandment”), describe the shofar (ram’s horn trumpet, and here’s how they’re made: https://youtu.be/yC_OlvUU7_A), and quickly define what is Shabbat (“the Sabbath”). Since this is our first episode, we start off by sharing our hopes and visions for the podcast.

In this episode, the main sources are Leviticus 23:23-26, Numbers 29:1-6, and The Mishnah, Tractate Rosh HaShanah 1:1-2. The source sheet on our website includes additional sources and notes, as well as Meir’s translations.

Please share the show generously. And check out our website 2c1j.com where we have a source sheet for each episode and a glossary of Torah terms. If you have the means, we are full of thanks to all y’all who support our work with a portion of your tithes patreon.com/2c1j – don’t forget that you have a seat in our live recording sessions and access to bonus trepverter recordings. We’re on Twitter @MeirSimchah, @Paceaux, @JenBrownJones; you can find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TwoChristiansAndAJew; and we’ve even got email, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].

Our theme music was arranged and performed by David Frankel https://classicalguitarisrael.com/.