First, I would like to give a brief history of what this day means.
Second, I would like to share a few reasons why I don’t think it’s a very happy new year in Israel.
Third, I would like to share a little about the future of Israel.
Yom Kippur begins today in Israel. The “Day of Atonement,” it is perhaps the most important holiday of the Jewish year.
Many Jews will take off work and fast for this holy and most solemn day of repentance and reconciliation.
It was on this day – the only day – that the High Priest was able to enter the Holy of 
Holies, and then only after elaborate ceremonial washings, offerings, and associated rituals. This was also the day that two goats were selected, one for an offering and one as the “scapegoat.” As many aspects of the feasts were prophetic, the scapegoat is also Messianic. The ceremonial acts that were to be carried out by the High Priest on Yom Kippur are described in Leviticus 16 (see also Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27-31, 25:9; Numbers 29:7-11). Since the loss of the Temple in 70 A.D., the God-centered observances of the Torah have tragically been replaced with a man-centered, good works system of appeasement through prayer, charity, and penitence. (1)
“Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.”
– Leviticus 23:27-28
Why is this New Year not a happy one?
Anyone remotely aware of the events surrounding Israel can see that their enemies are tightening the noose.
In the news just today,
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov
Russia plans to go ahead with the sale of anti-ship missiles to Syria. The United States and Israel are opposed to the sale, agreed in 2007, fearing the weapons could fall into the hands of the radical Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. (2)
Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov confirmed in Washington that Russia would supply Syria with P-800 Yakhont cruise missiles, Russian news agencies reported Friday (today). (3)
Russia has signed deals with Syria under which it will sell it warplanes, antitank 
weapons and air defense systems, Itar-Tass news agency quoted a senior Russian arms trader. This was back in May. (4)
Anyone who is not aware that Syria is a puppet of Iran…well, now you know it.
Iran, whose leader has repeatedly talked of destroying the “Zionists,” continues to ignore any kind of sanctions in its desire to obtain powerful weapons of mass destruction. They already have missiles capable of reaching Europe and they are very close to having a powerful weapon. Concerned countries are watching their seismographs in an attempt to identify a weapons test.
At this point, the “answer” to the huge Iranian threat is to work on putting a missile defense system in place to “cover” Europe. The Russians haven’t yet approved of such a system. (5)
I wonder how Israel feels about protecting Europe? They may be happy for Europe but…
European Missile Defence System
And what is the U.S doing?
Visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton “appealed” to the Israeli leader to continue the freeze (on settlement building), even just for a “limited time,” saying it would be “extremely useful” if he would agree. (6)
Now, that’s a strong solution to the problem (that’s sarcasm). In her defense, the only real solution is to bomb the facilities where the manufacturing of the weaponry is occurring. That’s not something that I want to publicly endorse, but their enemies keep painting Israel into a smaller corner.
I could add a hundred other items that make this New Year’s Day one of concern for 
those living in Israel.
So, what’s going to happen and when? No one can say specifically for certain. But there are a few things that, I think, are certainties based on scriptures from the Bible.
There will eventually be a war. Their are many references to war, but the one with the most specifics is in Ezekiel 38 and 39.
Ezekiel 38:8 says”
“After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel whih had been a continual wast; but its people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them.”
This is speaking to those who will attack Israel. Surprise…Persia (Iran) is listed as one of the nations.
The next verse describes the attack:
“And you will go up, you will come like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all you troops, and many peoples with you.” (v.9)
Verses 19-22 tell the results of the battle.
You should read these verses yourself. I’ll summarize it: Earthquakes and a torrential rain of hailstones, fire and brimstone will rain on Israel’s enemies.
“For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them in order to cleanse the land.” (Ezekiel 39:12)
Israel will not be destroyed.
And what will happen to the U.S.?
The Bible says that those who bless Israel will be blessed.
There is not clear mention of the U.S. in Bible prophecy but, based on the last sentence, I think some of the U.S. outcome will be a result of our support of Israel.
What will happen after the war that’s coming?
I’ll save my opinion on that for an upcoming post.
Happy New Year Israel!!!
Chris Reimers
Jews in Arkansas will be lighting candles at 6:56 this evening.
(1)http://hearkenthewatchmen.com/article.asp?id=328
(3)http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-3955589,00.html
(4)http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3889572,00.html
(5)http://en.rian.ru/world/20100917/160618084.html
To find out when Jews around the world will be lighting candles today, go to:
http://www.chabadisraeli.info/calendar/location.htm
Rob Bowen posted this song by Steve McConnell called “Yom Kippur” on Facebook. It’s definitely turning to Fall in the Northern Hemisphere and these pics are beautiful.
Wings of the Wind 
it is beautiful country because i am christian and I respect of this country because it is country of jesus
Yes, it is God’s country.
Yes the place where Jesus walked……….I pray for Israel daily. That the Lord will protect her from those who wish to destroy her and heal those who are in need.
Hi Rosalee.
I’m so glad you commented.
I believe that God will hear your prayers and that Israel will never be destroyed. Israel appears to have rough days ahead with all the changes happening in the Middle East. I think their current Prime Minister is a great man. He has tried everything to make peace. Unfortunately, I don’t think there will be complete peace until the “New Jerusalem” comes down out of heaven (Rev. 21). At the same time we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It is always refreshing to hear that someone is praying for the Holy Land.
God bless you.