There is some discussion between the commentators as to whether the word here should be . Although BHS shows no textual variants at this point, some commentators would prefer to see the latter over the former. is derived from the root - to call out, cry, shout, invoke - in one of the more common ways of constructing Hebrew nouns: adding a before the first root letter, which most often produces a noun describing either the place where the verb action takes place or the tool used to perform that action¹. This noun has the sense of "a place of calling" and is translated by various bibles as a convocation or assembly. In the same way, is derived from the root - to meet or to happen - and has the sense of "a place of meeting or happening" and is translated as an event or result.

Although is unambiguously used in this verse in a construct with the following word, giving the literal translation "a convocation of holiness",

The Rashbam: Rabbi Samuel ben Asher (1085-1174), a grandson of Rashi; lived in Northern France; worked from the plain meaning of the Hebrew text even when this contradicted established rabbinic interpretaton

The idea of the feast days being events leads to the rabbinic view that they should be turned from just a holiday into specific times of holiness, meetings between man and

HaShem: literally, Hebrew for 'The Name' - an allusion used to avoid pronouncing the Tetragrammaton, the so-called 'ineffable' name of G–d

Rashi: Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105CE), French rabbi who wrote commentaries on the Torah, the Prophets and the Talmud, lived in Troyes where he founded a yeshiva in 1067; focuses on the plain meaning (p'shat) of the text, although sometimes quite cryptic in his brevity

The Gospels record events when Yeshua took part in celebrations. The first instance seems to be the wedding at Cana in the Galil. John records that Yeshua's mother had been invited and "Yeshua too was invited to the wedding, along with his talmidim" (John 2:2, CJB). When the wine ran out, Yeshua - however reluctantly, at his mother's urging - miraculously replenished the supply of wine from jars of water. Yeshua recognised the importance of celebrations and life-cycle events and so performed a miracle to stop this particular one being washed out due to a shortage of wine. Similarly Luke recorded that "On their way Yeshua and his talmidim came to a village where a woman named Marta welcomed him into her home. She had a sister called Miryam who also sat at the L-rd's feet and heard what he had to say. But Marta was busy with all the work to be done" (Luke 10:38-40, CJB). If Yeshua and the disciples were to spend time, celebrate and share his teaching, then a festive meal was an essential part of that process; Marta should do enough, but not be worried about every last detail. On the other hand, when Yeshua entered Jerusalem a few days before Pesach, "Yeshua entered the Temple grounds and drove out those who were doing business there, both the merchants and their customers. He upset the desks of the money-changers and knocked over the benches of those who were selling pigeons" (Matthew 21:12, CJB). Although the dishonesty of the traders and the very existence of trade in G-d's house was offensive, the unabated continuation of every-day activities during the approach of the feast would distract people from the holiness of the pilgrimage they had made to appear before G-d. Yeshua wanted the people to use and enjoy appropriate celebrations and times of holiness, without the detraction of every day work and commercial activity.

In a different context, Rav Sha'ul rebukes the community in Corinth about their behaviour at their memorial meals to remember Yeshua: "as you eat your meal, each one goes ahead on his own; so that one stays hungry while another is already drunk!" (1 Corinthians 11:21, CJB). "What are you doing," Sha'ul wants to know, "don't you have homes to eat and drink in?" (v. 22, CJB). Remembering Yeshua is a holy moment, a time when the body of Messiah gathers to remember Him together and declare their faith in what He has done for us. Sha'ul points out that "whoever eats the L-rd's bread or drinks the L-rd's cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of desecrating the body and blood of the L-rd!" (v. 27, CJB), and urges the believers to examine themselves and moderate their conduct. Although this passage is often used to teach repentance of sin before sharing communion, the plain meaning of the text is at least as much about courtesy and table manners. Sha'ul again: "So then, my brothers, when you gather together to eat, wait for one another. If someone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it will not result in judgment" (vv. 33-34, CJB). The whole passage is all too frequently used as justification for great solemnity, absolute silence and an atmosphere rather more akin to a funeral than a celebration. Sharing at the L-rd's Table is a moment of victory and triumph when we each remember and savour what Yeshua accomplished for us at Calvary; there should be shouts of praise, perhaps a few tears, shy grins, rejoicing laughter, sighs of relaxation and an almost euphoric air of freedom and liberty. We have been set free from the curse of sin and death and Yeshua has risen from the grave!

How do we celebrate the feasts today, from Shabbat each week to the highest of the feasts and Holy days? Do we set the day apart with special food, eaten only on these days to mark the days as holy? Do we refrain from going shopping after services, not only to obey the commands but to avoid every-day mundane commercial activity on a holy day? Do we wear different - not necessarily smart or fancy, although that might help, but at least clean - clothes to differentiate from our usual uniforms² on the feast? Our text challenges us to have a day of holy calling apart on the feasts; time set apart for G-d when, as we have fun and celebrate, we also remember who He is, what He has done and our relationship with Him.

1 - For example: the root - to sacrifice - and its noun - an altar, or the root - to open - and its noun - a key

2 - Even a business suit can be a uniform if we wear it for work every other day of the week!

Further Study: 2 Chronicles 30:21-23; Luke 15:21-24

Application: Are you able to celebrate holy days and times before G-d and with His people or do you always have half an eye on all the stuff that is waiting to be done? Why not ask G-d to show you how to set aside every-day concerns and enter into holy time so you can rejoice and celebrate Him!

© Jonathan Allen, 2009