The Feasts of Israel, also known as the Jewish Festivals, are divinely appointed times of celebration and remembrance, instituted by God in the Torah. These feasts hold significant theological and historical importance, serving as both commemorations of God's past acts and prophetic foreshadowings of future events. They are primarily outlined in Leviticus 23, with additional details found throughout the Pentateuch.

1. Passover (Pesach): Celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The central ritual involves the sacrifice of a lamb, symbolizing the blood that protected the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn. "On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD’s Passover" (Leviticus 23:5). In Christian theology, Passover is seen as a type of Christ's sacrificial death, as He is referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29).

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): Beginning on the 15th day of Nisan and lasting seven days, this feast immediately follows Passover. It commemorates the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise. "On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread" (Leviticus 23:6). Leaven, representing sin, is removed from homes, symbolizing purification and sanctification.

3. Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim): Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, this feast marks the beginning of the barley harvest. "Bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest" (Leviticus 23:10). It is a time of thanksgiving for God's provision. In the New Testament, Christ's resurrection is seen as the fulfillment of Firstfruits, as He is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20).

4. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Occurring fifty days after Firstfruits, Shavuot celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah at Sinai. "Count off fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD" (Leviticus 23:16). In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit's descent on Pentecost fulfills this feast, marking the birth of the Church.

5. Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah): Observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, this feast is marked by the blowing of trumpets. "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts" (Leviticus 23:24). It is a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement.

6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th of Tishri. It is a solemn day of fasting and repentance. "On the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves" (Leviticus 23:27). The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the nation. In Christian thought, Christ's atoning sacrifice is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of Yom Kippur.

7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Beginning on the 15th of Tishri and lasting seven days, this feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision. "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days" (Leviticus 23:34). Participants dwell in temporary shelters, or sukkot, as a reminder of God's protection. Prophetically, it points to the future Messianic Kingdom.

These feasts are not only historical observances but also rich with spiritual significance, reflecting God's redemptive plan through Christ. They serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His covenant relationship with His people.