Feast of Tabernacles

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THE 2010 FEAST OF TABERNACLES

Since its inception in 1980 the Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, has been a vital and central part of our ministry of comforting Israel (Isaiah 40:1). Pilgrims come from many nations to worship the Lord, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and to bless Israel in this time of regathering. We believe that celebrating the Feast each year honours the Lord in anticipation of the fulfillment of the words spoken by Zechariah when “the nations...shall come up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles' (Zech. 14:16).

The Christian Feast of Tabernacles is held during the Jewish celebration of Succot. It is a celebration of unity, joy, rest, restoration and ingathering. Traditionally it celebrates the gathering in of the harvest, the coming of the rains, the protection and the provision of God. It was at this Feast (where part of the ceremony included the pouring out of water before the Lord) that Jesus stood in the Temple and said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).

During the seven days of the Feast, a daily program of seminars and teaching is offered and each evening concludes with a time of worship. These evening celebrations are especially noted for their pageantry in music and dance. An international choir and orchestra lead the people into a time of praise and worship. Those who have gathered from all over the world join their hearts as one to glorify God and to pray for the coming of His Kingdom - in Israel - and in all the earth. There is a variety of other events, including a special evening set aside for Israeli guests. It is attended by thousands of people from this land, many being Soviet Jewish immigrants. Opportunities are also given for the pilgrims to demonstrate, in practical ways, their love for the people of Israel and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

We believe that the Lord specifically hand-picks the people each year who come to serve at the Feast and puts the desire in their heart to serve, sacrifice and be stretched by Him during their time in Jerusalem. Ministering at the Feast will test you in many ways- spiritually, physically, and financially – and the rewards Jesus promised hold true -- you will also "reap what you sow" for His Kingdom! Many of those who have served in previous celebrations witness of the rich blessings they have reaped from their labor of love. We trust that the reward God has promised to those who bless Israel will be yours in fullest measure. (Gen. 12:3)

As you minister to those who come up from the nations to celebrate the Feast, the blessing you bestow will in turn flow out to the ends of the earth!

Up to 5,000 Christians from over 100 countries have come up to Jerusalem each year (regardless of the current political climate) to stand with Israel. This event has become the largest and most popular annual tourist event in Israel, taking place in the International Convention Center Jerusalem and other venues across Jerusalem.

What happens at the Feast of Tabernacles?

The Feast usually opens in an outdoor worship celebration. During the rest of the week, in-depth seminars during the day, bringing balanced teaching from carefully selected teachers, scholars, and public figures. The seminars seek to offer a broad, yet interwoven impartation of revelation truth, and have annually become a forum for the expression of "present day truth" from Jerusalem to the nations. Varied subjects and themes are presented, with a special focus on the prophetic perspectives of Israel, the Church and eschatology.

Praise and worship led by an international team of singers, musicians, dancers and other artists. Special musical guests from the Jewish community are also regularly featured in the spectacular evening celebrations. The music and worship from the Feast Celebrations in Jerusalem has had a major impact on the Christian world in it's understanding of "Davidic Worship."

The word of God is preached nightly and is central to the evening meetings.

Opportunities for prayer with fellow believers from around the world who have a heart for Israel is a vital part of the Feast programming. In what has become a Feast tradition, pilgrims walk to strategic points to pray over the City. The opportunity to cover Jerusalem in fervent prayers of agreement is a privilege that Feast participants take seriously. It gives opportunity and expression for the nations to literally be "watchmen on the walls" of Jerusalem.

Special concerts and events are organized by the ICEJ for the citizens of the land, which regularly attract hundreds of Israeli guests, including dignitaries.

The Jerusalem March is a unique opportunity for international delegations of Feast pilgrims to participate in a public event organized by the Jerusalem Municipality.

CHRISTIAN CELEBRATION DURING THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES
Seven Nights of Worship in Jerusalem

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem annually holds a seven-day conference in Jerusalem with teaching seminars in the mornings and concerts of praise and worship in the evenings. Four to six thousand people from nearly 100 nations join in this Feast celebration with singers, musicians, and dancers from around the world, worshiping the God of Israel in colourful costumes, banners, dance and music.

OUTDOOR CELEBRATION
As the Feast commences, the pilgrims travel into the Jordan Valley to Beit She'an, to witness a biblical pageant in music and dance.

OPENING EVENING CELEBRATION
The participants are led by an international choir and orchestra to lift songs of joy and thanksgiving to the Lord, with a spectacular stage presentation enhanced by worship in dance.

MORNING SEMINARS
Seminars continue throughout the week of the conference. Varied subjects and themes are presented, with special focus on prophetic perspectives of Israel and the last days. Between sessions, the pilgrims can visit the exhibit booths in the foyer, where Israeli and international craftsmen display their products.

JERUSALEM MARCH
Feast participants join the thousands of Israeli marchers during the Jerusalem March. Pilgrims don their national costumes and move through the heart of the city, displaying banners of love towards Israel.

ISRAELI/RUSSIAN NIGHT
Many thousands of Israelis and Soviet Jews gather for this special concert. The Feast worship team presents selections of Hebrew, Russian, and Christian music and dance, which awaken joyful responses in the hearts of the Israelis and visitors alike. It is one of the most significant events of the Feast week.

COMMUNION NIGHT
It is a time of special beauty and spiritual significance, and the worship reaches new heights as the pilgrims from many different countries partake of the bread and the wine, and consecrate themselves afresh to the Lord's service. For many, it will be the crowning event of the Feast.

Your Personal Invitation...

We, at the Christian Embassy warmly invite you to come up to Jerusalem for this year's Feast of Tabernacles. We hope that you will learn more of Israel, her people and her history, and receive further enlightenment concerning the central role she plays in the destiny of this world. Above all, we trust that the keeping of the Feast and your response to the biblical injunction will be a source of blessing to yourself, your family and your nation.

If you plan to travel to Israel on your own, and simply want to register for the Feast, please request a Registration Form. Any travel agent can assist you in your travel arrangements.

Should you prefer to travel to Israel with a tour group, so that your air travel, accommodation, land transport and registration are pre-arranged, then please contact the ICEJ to request a list of recommended tours. Many participants prefer this option as they are also able to tour throughout Israel and see the rest of the country.

If you would like to lead a tour group of your own, or even bring your own small group that becomes a part of a larger group, you can do that through your own travel agent, or request a list of recommended travel agents.

There is no better time to travel to Israel than during the Feast of Tabernacles as you can take in all the usual touring experiences, as well as a full eight-day conference with nine nights of glorious worship.

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES IN SCRIPTURE

"And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles." Zechariah 14:16

The Bible describes the Feast of Tabernacles as the third of the three annual feasts which the people of Israel are commanded to celebrate in Jerusalem. During this Feast they recall the 40 years in the wilderness, as well as celebrate and rejoice over the ingathering of the harvest. Traditionally, the Jewish people identify the Feast of Tabernacles with the coming of the Messiah. And they welcome non-Jewish (Gentile) participation, according to the prophetic word in Zechariah 14 that all the nations would come up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

Since 1980, the Christian Embassy has sponsored the only Christian celebration to take place during this feast in Jerusalem. It is a time when Christians bring praise and worship to the God of Israel, receive Bible teaching, and enjoy fellowship with Christians from many nations.

In John 7 we read that, on the last, great day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood up in the Temple and declared that rivers of living water would flow from the innermost being of he who believes in Him. For Christians, the Feast is therefore a celebration of joy, but also a time of deepening their relationship and walk with God. The Christian celebration has become known for the splendour of its presentation, and for the powerful times of praise and worship, as the participants are led by an international worship team of gifted singers, musicians and dancers.