7 takeaways from this study

As we gather to reflect on Yom Teruah — also known as the Day of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah — I’m reminded of the power of signals, wake-up calls, and the importance of being spiritually prepared. This annual appointment is not just about the sound of the shofar (ram’s horn), but about listening for God’s voice amid the noise of life.

יוֹם תְּרוּעָה Yom Teruah (“Day of Blasting”) is a biblical festival (Leviticus 23:23-25) marking the beginning of the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in September or October. It’s a day of zichron teruah (remembrance of blasting), a memorial proclaimed with the blowing of trumpets. The Torah doesn’t give many details about this day, but the act of sounding the shofar is a powerful symbol — a call to attention, a signal to gather, and a reminder to prepare.

In Numbers 10, we read about the use of trumpets to signal the camp of Israel: 

“When both are blown, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the doorway of the tent of meeting.”

The shofar’s blast cuts through the noise, calling us to assemble, to remember and to prepare for what’s ahead.

In ancient times, armies used trumpets to signal movements on the battlefield. But enemies would try to confuse the signals — blowing their own trumpets or jamming communications. Today, we face a similar challenge: so many voices, so much information, and it’s easy to lose track of what’s true.

The Apostle Paul alludes to this in 1Corinthians 14:8: 

For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

The lesson is clear: we must learn to distinguish the genuine call of God from the distractions and deceptions around us. This is a season to ask ourselves: Am I listening for God’s voice, or am I being led astray by the noise?

Yom Teruah is called a מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ miqra qodesh (“holy convocation”) — a sacred gathering. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the 10 Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).

Tradition teaches that this is a season of תְּשׁוּבָה teshuvah (“return” or “repentance”), a time to examine our lives and realign with God’s ways. The shofar’s call is a wake-up — a spiritual “go bag” moment, reminding us to be ready for whatever comes.

Yeshua often taught in parables. Many teachings have focused on microanalyzing every small detail of parables to eke out meaning and new insights.

However, such endeavors can lead away from the original intent. One way to stay on track with the point of the parables is to see them as stories with a punchline, designed to provoke thought and action.

In Matthew 24–25, Yeshua shares a series of parables about readiness, vigilance, and faithfulness. Let’s explore a few of these together.

Yeshua said: 

> “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.”

The lesson? Pay attention to the signs. Just as we watch for the changing seasons, we must be alert to spiritual signals. Sometimes, the call comes when we least expect it. So be ready, even “out of season” (2Timothy 4:2).

Yeshua compares the coming of the Son of Man to the days of Noah and Lot (Matthew 24:36-41; Luke 17:26-30). People were living their normal lives—eating, drinking, marrying—until sudden disaster struck. The punchline: 

“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”

The Greek word γενεά ganara (“generation” or “people”) reminds us that each generation faces its own tests. The Hebrew word דֶּרֶךְ derech (“way”) calls us to examine our path: Are we walking in God’s way, or have we drifted off course?

Yeshua tells of a homeowner who, if he had known when the thief was coming, would have stayed awake (Matthew 24:42-44). The message is simple: Don’t let your guard down. Spiritual complacency can leave us vulnerable.

Yeshua contrasts the faithful servant, who does his job even when the master is away, with the ὑποκριτής hupokrates (“hypocrite” or “actor”) who slacks off and mistreats others (Matthew 24:45-51). The warning is sobering: 

“The master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know.”

God sees what’s in our hearts. Are we authentic in our service, or just putting on a show?

In Matthew 25:1-13, Yeshua tells of ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five are wise (Greek: φρόνιμος, phronimos), bringing extra oil; five are foolish (Greek: μωρός, moros), unprepared when the call comes. When the bridegroom arrives, only the prepared enter the feast.

“Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.”

The oil can symbolize the Spirit, the Word or simply a life of daily preparation. The message: Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready. Spiritual readiness is a daily practice.

Yeshua continues with the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Three servants receive different amounts of money (“talents”; Greek: τάλαντον talanton), each according to their ability. Two invest and multiply what they’ve been given; one buries his talent out of fear.

The master commends the faithful servants: 

“Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”

But the one who did nothing loses even what he had. The lesson: God has entrusted each of us with gifts, resources, and opportunities. Don’t hide them—use them for His kingdom.

Finally, Yeshua describes the judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46). The King separates people as a shepherd separates sheep (Hebrew: כֶּבֶשׂ keves) from goats (Hebrew: עֵז ez). The sheep are those who cared for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned—acts of compassion done “to the least of these.”

“Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”

The goats, who ignored these needs, are sent away. The punchline: True faith is lived out in practical love for others.

Some wonder about the word “saved” in these passages. The Greek term σωτηρία soterion (“salvation” or “deliverance”) can mean being rescued from danger, but in the apocalyptic context, it points to ultimate deliverance in the kingdom of God.

“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

Endurance (Greek: ὑπομονή hypomonē) is key. Don’t shrink back (Hebrews 10:39); stand firm, even when it’s not easy or popular.

As we hear the shofar’s blast this Yom Teruah, let it be more than a ritual. Let it be a wake-up call — a reminder to be ready, to listen for God’s voice, and to respond with faith, courage, and compassion. The days ahead may be uncertain, but we can face them with confidence, knowing that the One who calls us is faithful.

May we be found ready, faithful, and full of oil when the call comes. 
ברוך אתה כותב את שמותינו בספר החיים של הכבש Baruch Atah Cotev et sh’moteynu b’sefer ha-chaiim shel ha-Ceves (“Blessed are You, Writer of our names in the Lamb’s book of life”).