March 24, 2023, 3:00 PM
Shalom, Everyone!
After Devorah’s update this morning and further research, prayer, and counsel from others, we have decided to go ahead with our previous decision, to begin the Chodesh haAviv (the month of Aviv) and the new year now, beginning with the sighting of the moon in Jerusalem at sunset on March 23, 2023.
I shared my thoughts with my wife in our kitchen today. This is a rough audio, but I share my heart and the reasons for the conclusion I have come to. I hope it is a blessing to you.
We greatly appreciate the efforts of Devorah to give us important information, as well as others who have shared their findings. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established” (Deuteronomy 19:15). Here are some of those findings:
- Barley Inspection Report – March 16 & 19, 2023 (Devorah’s Date Tree)
- Is This Chodesh haAviv? – March 23, 2023 (Devorah’s Date Tree)
- When Am I Beginning the New Year? – March 24, 2023 (Devorah’s Date Tree)
- Aviv 2023 (Hebrew in Israel)
- Update on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 (Hebrew in Israel)
- Update on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 (Hebrew in Israel)
- Update on Sunday, March 19, 2023 (AbibOfGod.com, Brian Convery)
- Summary of Sighting the Aviv and New Moon (Kraig Elliott)
Our most important desire and humblest goal is to seek YHVH’s face at the proper time on HIS calendar. I have taught and still firmly see the Scripture on the accuracy of God’s Word in the aviv harvest in determining YHVH’s moedim. As such, I want to trust YHVH’s direction, as well as appreciate the hard work and efforts of those who are the feet on the ground in Israel sharing this information. I do not want dissension among the body as a whole nor to be part of that.
Unfortunately, it already seems there is going to be variation between groups. Please do not allow this to cause doubt and disillusion among us. YHVH Elohim is still in control, loves His people, and wants to meet with them on His times. I do not believe His Torah is too difficult to understand, nor do I believe those searching in Israel on our behalf are trying of themselves to be divisive. We all are seeking together to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” Please do not allow this weighty decision to splinter us as a congregation and cause division among us.
I pray that you will trust me that I am seeking accuracy in the calendar to not choose to do different things, but that we will come together with sincere and glad hearts. I do not take this decision lightly, and I understand that the ramifications of this decision will fall on me before our Heavenly Father. Due to that, my love for YHVH, and my love for all of you, I ask that you please lift me up before the Father of “Lights” with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
In conclusion, at Solel Sabbath Fellowship, we will be beginning the new year now. You can see all of our upcoming events here.
Many blessings as we look forward to the start of a new year and the celebration of our great Creator’s feasts/appointed times (moedim).
~Kraig