As the sun sets on September 22 and the shofar sounds across Israel, the Jewish world will step into the year 5786. In Hebrew, this year is written Tav–Shin–Peh–Vav (תשפ״ו). Each letter carries meaning: Tav is covenant and completion. Shin is fire and refining. Peh is the mouth and proclamation. Vav is the nail or hook that connects. Put together, they point to a year of truth spoken boldly, promises fulfilled, and heaven and earth joined by God’s hand.
The timing is no accident. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, also called the Days of Awe. For ten days, observant Jews reflect, repent, and seek forgiveness before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Tradition teaches that during these days, God opens the Book of Life and judges who will be inscribed for the coming year.
As Christian Women for Israel, we see these truths through the lens of Jesus the Messiah. Our hope is not in whether our name is written for one more year, but in the Lamb’s Book of Life, secured by the blood of Yeshua. “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels” (Revelation 3:5).
Still, the call of the Days of Awe speaks to us as well. God calls us to return, to let His fire refine us, and to live as Modern-Day Esthers whose mouths are filled with truth and courage. These ten days are an invitation to draw closer to Him in prayer, repentance, and renewal.
Ten Ways to Draw Closer to God During the High Holy Days
1. Begin each day with prayer (Psalm 5:3)
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice.” Start each day of the Ten Days of Awe by inviting God to search your heart.
2. Pray Psalm 51 as your own confession
King David’s prayer of repentance is timeless. Read it aloud and let his words guide your return to God.
3. Fast from a distraction (Isaiah 58:6)
Choose one habit—social media, television, or a comfort food—and give it up as an offering. Fasting humbles the heart and clears space for God.
4. Confess sins and seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
Write down what weighs on your conscience. Ask God for forgiveness and, if possible, make peace with others.
5. Remember God’s faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Keep a gratitude journal during these ten days. List answered prayers and blessings as reminders that God is always faithful.
6. Pray for Israel’s salvation (Romans 10:1)
The Apostle Paul longed for his people to know Messiah. Ask God to open the eyes of Israel to His covenant promises.
7. Bless someone in need (Proverbs 19:17)
Give to the poor, encourage the lonely, or extend help to someone struggling. Acts of mercy reflect God’s heart during the High Holy Days.
8. Speak words of life (Proverbs 18:21)
Guard your tongue from gossip or complaint. Use your words to uplift and strengthen those around you.
9. Meditate on the cross (Hebrews 9:12)
Remember that Yeshua entered the Most Holy Place once for all, securing eternal redemption. He is our atonement.
10. Prepare for Yom Kippur with stillness (Psalm 46:10)
On the eve of the Day of Atonement, set aside time for quiet worship. Be still before God and rest in His covenant love.
Reflection for 5786
Each of these practices ties back to the prophetic picture of the year ahead. Tav assures us God keeps His covenant. Shin reminds us His fire both refines and guides. Peh calls us to open our mouths with truth. Vav connects our prayers on earth to His promises in heaven.
As you walk through the Days of Awe, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to repent? Where does He want me to speak truth? Where does He long to connect His promises to my life? The Jewish calendar is God’s calendar, and 5786 is not just a year to observe but an invitation to enter more deeply into His presence.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, open the Book of Life and remember Your covenant people. Write our names not only for another year but for eternity in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Purify our hearts during these Days of Awe. Draw us close to You and let us live as women who are awake, prepared, and faithful. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
