The trip to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem
by Dr Rev. Suzette Hattingh
It was a time of learning, preaching and experiencing the celebrations of the orthodox Judaism in the country of Israel like I have never seen before. What impressed me the most was the way this Nation is constantly worshipping, dancing and singing their way through into victory, irrespective of rockets flying, danger around every corner– they sing and dance worshipping the Lord.
It started with a long flight with great difficulties, finally we landed in Tel Aviv in the middle of the night. The moment the aeroplane landed spontaneous clapping of hands and singing started. They came for the feast of Tabernacles from across the world and they were saying “thank you” through song. It deeply moved my heart as God still dwells in the praises of His people. This seemed to mark the entire Nation, while rockets flying, entering Gaza or Lebanon, and facing the anniversary of the day that caused the deepest wound after the Holocaust in the Nation of Israel, the 7th of October 2023, and what do they do? They sing and dance worshiping God all the time– amazing.
Habsor National Park in the desert
Parents who lost sons and daughters in the war
“Not by might, nor by power
but by my spirit says the Lord”
Zec 4:7
Suzette speaking at the Feast of Tabernacles.
I had the wonderful privilege to be a speaker of two sessions of the ICEJ conference in Jerusalem, during the Feast of Tabernacles. What an honour! Just over 400 people attended the conference, small in comparison to the years before but as powerful as the Gideons army with its impact. Many like me had flights cancelled, faced difficulty to eventually get to Israel and having endured that we all the more pressed in for the blessings of the Lord.
First, we arrived in the “Habsor National Park” in the desert. Temperatures soaring. Camels on the one side, the stage and sound system set up and Bedouin tents as our VIP room. A full moon rising over the horizon, the setting was set for the opening of the conference. I was bringing the word of the Lord. With amazement I watched as almost 60 % of the people present responded to the altar call! The launching happened. From there the rest of the conference took place in the Pavilion building where King of Kings Church worship. Pilgrims from 70 Nations present. Local, international and Messianic church leaders ministered the Word. It was powerful, inspirational, convicting and blessed.
Indeed the theme was very relevant “Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord” Zec 4:7 especially in a time like this.
Official Website of the Feat of Tabernacles 2024
photo credit:
ICEJ – feas.icej.org – thank you for the kind permission to use the photos