A new wave is moving through Christian communities; some Christians are engaging in the practice of Jewish festivals. The trend is significant enough to raise questions and reflection among both Christians and Jews: Should Christians “do” Jewish festivals?

Time and its holiness have been a central idea in Judaism since biblical times. From the beginning of their history, the Jews received the divine injunction to hallow time on a weekly, monthly, yearly, and life-time basis. These holy times mark the cadence of Jewish life even today. The beliefs and practices attached to these times speak of the innermost essence of the Jewish faith and hope.

Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Church History at Andrews University. Dr. Bacchiocchi received his doctorate in 1974 from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His dissertation focused on the church’s change from Sabbath to Sunday.

An avid writer and lecturer, Dr. Bacchiocchi travels extensively. His works include The Advent Hope for Human Hopelessness: A Theological Study of the Meaning of the Second Advent for Today (1986); God’s Festivals in Scripture and History, 2 vols. (1995); and The Christian and Rock Music: A Study on Biblical Principles of Music (ed., 2000).

Dr. Hoffman is Professor of Liturgy and Director of the Synagogue 2000 Initiative for synagogue spirituality at Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion and an ordained rabbi. He researches, writes, and lectures in the history of Jewish liturgy, ritual studies, contemporary worship, and modern Jewish spirituality.