A note about the final Sabbath during the “Days of Awe”

A NOTE AOUT THIS PARTICULAR SABBATH in the final weeks leading toward the end of the 2026 yearly Torah cycle:

It is referred to as “SHABBAT SHUVAH”—The Sabbath of Return — which occurs during Yamim, the “Days of Awe,” which are the 10 days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur.

Jews believe on the first of Tishri, the Books of Works and Life are opened, and ADONAI reviews our actions over the last year. On Yom Kippur the Books are closed and sealed! Those who have done well are inscribed in the Book of Life.

NOTE THAT THE EXISTENCE OF THESE BOOKS ARE AFFIRMED BY MESSIAH YESHUA!

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is (the book) of life. And the dead were judged from the things written in the books, according to their deeds. (AENT)

ALL SHALL BE JUDGED BY YESHUA:

Romans 14:10. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or, why do you despise your brother? For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Mashiyach! 11. As it is written: As I live, says Master YHWH, to me every knee will bow; and to me every tongue will give praise. 12. So then, every one of us must give account of himself to Elohim. (AENT)

Matthew 12:36 tells us we shall give an account for every idle word spoken – for everything we have done:

Matthew 12: 36. I say to you for every vain word that the sons of men speak,[1] they will give an account of it in the day of judgment. 37. For by your words you will be made righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.[2] (AENT

Note 1: Deuteronomy 32:21 ‑ “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not Elohim...”

Note 2: The targum teaches that the “nephesh chayah” (living soul) in Genesis 2:7 is best understood as the “spirit of speech.” YHWH put a portion of His Spirit in mankind, enabling man to speak and create with words. Our words are being judged accordingly. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21).

IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS JUDGMENT DOES NOT CONCERN SALVATION; rather, a position in Heaven for those who have faith in Yeshua.

Matthew tells us that those who keep and teach Torah will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven and those who don’t will be called least…

Matthew 5:17. Do not think that I have come to loosen the Torah or the Prophets. I have not come to loosen but to fulfill them through proper interpretation.[3] 18. For truly I say to you that until heaven and earth pass away not one Yodh or one stroke will pass from Torah until everything happens.[4] 19. All who loosen, therefore, from one (of) these small commandments and teach thus to the sons of man, will be called little in the Kingdom of Heaven, but all who do and teach this will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. (AENT)

NOTE 3: “Fulfill” means to carry out or to bring to realization, to perform or do, as in a person’s duty; or to obey or follow the Commandments, as in satisfying the Commandments by obeying them, Isaiah 42:21 “YHWH is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify Torah, and make him (it) honorable.” Isaiah 42 reveals the work of Mashiyach; we have full prophetic assurance that Mashiyach would never annul Torah; rather he magnified Torah and wrote Torah upon the hearts and imaginations of his people. Y’shua carried out (fulfilled) the prophecies regarding Mashiyach. He carried them out, made them happen, just like he performed Torah which was his duty and obligation as Mashiyach; otherwise he would not have qualified to be Mashiyach ben Yoseph.

NOTE 4: Isaiah 40:12-25; 2 Samuel 23:1-5; Deuteronomy 30:11-20

PAUL GIVES FURTHER INSIGHT INTO THIS PROCESS— revealing that no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Messiah Yeshua.

1 Corinthians 3:11 goes on to tell us that MAN builds on the foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.  If any man’s work remains, he will receive a reward.  If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as by fire.

DURING THE 10 DAYS OF AWE WE ARE TO ENGAGE IN CHESHBON HA NEFESH:

Ephesians 5:15. See therefore, that you walk with spiritual knowledge; not like the simple, 16. But like the wise who purchase their opportunity; because the days are evil. 17. Therefore, do not lack in understanding; but understand what is the will of Elohim. (AENT)

THE QUESTION WE MUST ASK OURSELVES IS: Do our actions reflect the desires of haShem, or have our actions dimmed His Light in us?

PAUL REITERATES THIS COMMAND in 1 Corinthians 11:31 where we are told that if we judge ourselves we will NOT be judged!

“Shuva” is typically translated as “repentance”’; but it literally means “return.” So, the bottom line is that this is a period of HUMBLING for us, a time when we realize how far we have fallen short of the Glory of God … for when we draw near to God, He draws near to US!

Halleluyah! What an AWESOME ELOHIM we have the privilege of serving!

(Edited from notes borrowed from Rabbi Burt Yellin, Congregation Roeh Israel, located in Denver, Colorado.)