I agree that there shouldn't be a forcing of Torah Observance, legalism, etc, However, I think we should also realize the freedom in celebrationg Passover, Sukkot, etc!! Not as legalistic burdens, but as a joy and to realize the richness of the symbolism of Yeshua in the Feasts!! I mean...if you look at Zechariah, it says that the Nations will be reguired to come up to Jerusalem to worship the LORD at the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). As someone who has been over to Israel 4 times, a nonjew, I find such richness in the cultural background of my faith in Yeshua!! I know that there are elements in the Messianic movement that push Torah observance, etc, as if we are all suppose to be carbon copy Orthodox 'Jews', etc. I don't think that's right...in fact, I've been in certain Messianic congregations that just felt not right...legalistic, etc.but then I've been in others that were good, Spirit-led, level=headed mature, etc. As I understand it, Israeli Believers dont' have to deal with the 'artificial trappings' like Messianics tend to do here in the states. For example...there's no scripture that tells us that we have to light Shabbat candles, etc. It seems, that the focus is so much on the shabbat candles, challah, etc. It seems artificial to me (Forgive me if I offend anyone out there)..just like I find certain traditional christian stuff artificial., however, I find Sukkot and Passover rich and fullfilling. I've camped in a Sukkah for a the whole week of Sukkot when I was in Israel, with palm branches, pomegranettes, etc!
To make story short...there are extremes on both sides. Some even think that a Jewish believer shouldn't do anything Jewish anymore and celebrate christmas and eat pork, etc...and if they do Passover or Sukkot, then they are judaizing. I knnow I probably irritate some with my singing of Israeli Hebrew songs in worship to Yeshua and in my talk of Israel...experiences there, etc...but it really changed me when I was over there.
But, I know there are Messianics who would probably not want to have anything to do with me because being Cherokee background, I go to powwows, burn sage in prayer or while pleading blood of Yeshua over my place, etc and I listen to Jonathan Maracle's Broken Walls (Native style worship with drums, etc)...I had a Sephardic descent hispanic Messianic woman react negatively to me one time because I mention that I made pine needle baskets....but then again...some Native believers would probably react negatively to me be also because I sing in Hebrew, share about Israel, insights in the Hebrew in scripture, SUkkot, etc.
Another thing...there's nothing like celebrating Sukkot in Jerusalem!! That's where the LORD said for Israel to celebrate Sukkot, not in the diaspora. It's not the same in the states, etc. Now I haven't put up a sukkah or had Passover these past 10 yrs...been in the sticks in Arkansas...but I don't feel 'condemned' because I haven't done Passover or Sukkot these past 10 years. That's the awesome thing about Grace in Yeshua.
It's a freedom to do either, celebrate or not celebrate!! Not an obligation!
