I hope the title of this book caught your attention, but also did not offend you. When we talk about something not being optional, we are saying that choice is being eliminated. When God created us, He made us very distinct from the animals, as we have the innate ability to reason and to make conscious choices based on our thoughts and intellect. The Scriptures are very clear that with each choice there are consequences. So, when I say it’s not optional to celebrate Tabernacles, I am not saying you don’t have a choice, but rather hinting at a specific passage in the Bible that in a future date all nations and all people will be required by God to keep this appointed time in Jerusalem. Those who don’t do it will wish they did, for life and blessing for the land and the people will be released or withheld based on those decisions. The Feast of Tabernacles is the highlight and the last of the Feasts of the Lord. It is the seventh feast and it lasts seven days plus one additional and separate eighth day. Those who would have seen and been a part of this feast in the time of Jesus would no doubt be included in a celebration and party that is hard for us to imagine. There is much to learn from the teachings of the Bible as well as the richness of the traditions that are done. Feast of Tabernacles is a time of celebration and thanksgiving! It is to remind us of God’s wonderful presence all around us. It is a special time when we thank God for the harvest we had this year and the greater harvest which is to come. It is to remind us of our future wedding with Christ; the Bride and the Bridegroom coming together for the wedding feast and consummation of their marriage. Why a tabernacle? It is to remind us that our physical lives, possessions and all we have here on the earth is temporary. We are to trust in the Creator, our heavenly Father for the eternal and spiritual. It points us to look up like Israel who were under the cloud and the pillar of fire that protected Israel on their journey. It helps us see that our lives on earth are fragile and only God can sustain us, only God can protect us and everything we have is really from Him. Did you know there are many names for this feast?Feast of TabernaclesSukkotFeast of BoothsFeast of DedicationFeast of the NationsFeast of IngatheringSeason of RejoicingFirst fruits of the GrapesWhatever it is called is not as important as what it represents and means. For when you celebrate this divine appointment you are reminded that your life is temporary and everything you have comes as a blessing from God. God is the Creator and eternal. You are sustained by His goodness and it is ultimately Jesus, the Word, which is the permanence and stability in your life. In this book we will look at each of these names and see how they will draw us closer to God as we see that Jesus is the ultimate highest expression and point of everything the Torah teaches. As we begin to look at this special time, I hope you won’t wait for the time when it is not optional to celebrate it. I know you are going to love this book!