FEAST OF THE TABERNACLES (SUKKOT) 2024 – MOLENA, GA LAWHORN SCOUT RESERVATION
The Great Awakening International in conjunction with the family of Great Awakening Assemblies will be celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles October 1 - October 9. Participants will have the opportunity to observe all 8 days, 4 days, or just 1-day commuter experiences. We observe the feast by not doing any servile work on the 1st or 8th day of the feast (no work) and having Holy Convocations in which we come together with worship service and feast for 8 days. The Family of Great Awakening Assemblies will be celebrating 8 days of the Feast of the Tabernacles together on the Lawhorn Scout Base in between two campgrounds; Flint River Adventure Area and Camp Thunder.
In Hebrew, the word for a single shelter is a sukkah—plural sukkot—so the holiday was called Sukkot in Hebrew. (Pronounced “sue-COTE”.)
Every year the Great Awakening International and its Assemblies get to stay outdoors with our families in temporary shelters (sukkot/sukkahs) and be reminded that all of life is temporary, but that you are heading toward the Promised Land.
DIRECTIONS
Order Your Official Sukkot 2024 Shirt (click on shirt)
SUKKOT (Temporary Dwellings)
13 “You shall keep the Feast of Sukkot seven days, when you have gathered in the produce from your threshing floor and your winepress.14 You shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your towns. 15 For seven days you shall keep the feast to YHVH your Elohim at the place that YAHUAH will choose, because YAHUAH your Elohim will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful. - Deuteronomy 16
16 “Three times a year all your males shall appear before YAHUAH your Elohim at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Matzot, at the Feast of Shavuot, and at the Feast of Sukkot. They shall not appear before YAHUAH empty-handed. 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of YAHUAH your Elohim that he has given you.
Sukkot is the only holiday that really encompasses two holidays: Seven days of Sukkot and one day of Shemini Atzeret [upon which we celebrate Simchat Torah]. Sukkot begins just five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot has the greatest number of unique mitzvot to fulfill on the holiday.
Prophetically, Sukkot/Tabernacles points to the millennial reign of Yahusha while also looking back to the Israelites post-Exodus journey through the wilderness, and commemorates what many believe to be the actual time of Messiah’s birth. So as we assemble to honor Yahuah and our King as a Kingdom of Priests (Exodus 19:6. 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6), we will truly seek to manifest Heaven on Earth, all bringing our best and serving others with our gifts…the organic Ecclesia in action!
If you have some differences of opinion on calendric systems or the exact feast dates, we still invite you to join us. Seeking the unity of the Ruach (Spirit) in the bond of peace, loving one another, respecting each other’s walk with YAHUAH is emphasized and encouraged, even if some of us may differ in areas of understanding. We know that we all are a work in progress and we are called to humility, “considering one another better than ourselves” as is written in Philippians 2:3.
CAMP THUNDER
FLINT RIVER ADVENTURE AREA
WILDERNESS PREP TRAINING
Yahuah has been using the wilderness throughout the time of ancient Israel. The Most High used it as a place of accelerated growth and training.
Wilderness Prep is designed for in the last days to be equipped, and transition from where they are to where TMH is calling them.
The Word says in Deuteronomy 29:5 “And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.”
There is nothing that is more challenging than experiencing what our ancient fathers have experienced. The Wilderness Prep is more than just camping or sitting by a fire pit. Just like ancient Israel it reveals the condition of our hearts while in the wilderness.
The purpose of TMH leading them to the wilderness was to test, train and prepare them to be sanctified warriors. To be the set-apart people that they were called to become.
Survival is no simple task, and just like in ancient times we must be prepared for lies ahead. Wilderness Prep is design for training and survival techniques that must be acquired. Again, wilderness prep is more that just camping, it’s learning and handling various scenarios that might pop-up at any given time.
It all about acquiring skills and attitude here are some basic tools that are needed:
- It’s going to be uncomfortable
- Learn how to pack ‘lean’ (the wilderness is not a vacation) & “prioritize packing” (what to pack and not to pack)
- Learn how to communicate (technology or using markers)
- Learn herbs for healing (there will not be a hospital in the wilderness)
- Learn how to start a fire without matches
- Learn how to pitch and move your tent quickly
- Learn how to utilize weapon (rifles, bow & arrows, spears, and slings) note: there will be no bullets in the wilderness
- Learn how to communicate silently
SET UP YOUR PERSONAL SUKKAH
- A valid Sukkah must consist of at least three walls. [In practice, this can be satisfied with two complete walls and a small segment of a third wall, which qualifies as a third wall.]
- Walls can be of any material, so long as they are sturdy enough to withstand a normal wind.
- One may incorporate walls of an existing structure into his Sukkah if desired. Some even use a thick hedge of bushes.
- The walls should be at least 38 inches high (3.2 ft.), but not higher than 30 feet.
- A regular tent should be suffice
Center Sukkah
Located in the center of Camp Thunder by the Lake, the actual length and width of the tabernacle matches what is described in scripture. Only the height will be lower (9ft compared to 15ft). The “holy of holies” section will be a special area for personal prayer and the Torah will be read there 24/7 through a professional recording.
At the place where the altar would normally be, we will have a community campfire where we will have gatherings to give praise offerings and testimonies in the evenings. The campfire can also be used by anyone to gather & even cook their food while fellowshipping with others during the day.
The replica is for the purposes of teaching and memorializing YAHUAH's ways (see Joshua 22:28), not for literal sacrifice or offering.
The tabernacle will be built before the feast begins. Come early (October 9th morning) if you want to assist in the building effort.
CLIMATE
The average temperature for this time of the year is lower to upper 70’s during the day and mid 50’s at night. It can get into the upper 80’s during the day or lower 50’s at night though so dress appropriately. Inclement weather is always possible (likely) so make sure your tent and other equipment are well prepared for wind and rain.
SUKKAH COMPETITION
This year, the Great Awakening Event and Feast Day Committee team has come up with some fun and unique ways to join in celebrating the festivities for Sukkot 2023. Gather your family or close friends together for an amicable exhibit and competition of the most innovative sukkah. This fun event offers participants the chance to present innovative and original designs for a Sukkah that can be built by an individual, using materials and building methods that are sustainable and easily available. Each project will need to include details explaining the building method and the biblical story that motivated it.
The Guardians of the Great Awakening will select winning design submissions whom will receive a prize.
WHAT TO BRING
SUKKOT 2024 PACKING LIST
MORIM & MOROT RETREAT
Week-Long Intensive
Location: Molena, GA
The Morim/Morot Retreat 2024 will run from Tuesday afternoon through Friday evening. October 1-4, 2024 (1 Week Intensive Face-to-Face Training and Fellowship).
The Morim/Morot Retreat 2024 is a retreat for all training Morm/Morot of the Great Awakening Assemblies. This Five-day retreat concludes the final week of a 9 month-intensive training process for the prospective Morim (Male Teachers) and Morot (Women Teachers) of the Great Awakening Assemblies. This training retreat will take place Tuesday through Friday (October 1-4) before the Sukkot held in Molena, GA. Morim & Morot will be engaged in sessions that will improve their leadership capacity, identify strengths & weaknesses, augment traits of an effective leader, foster strategic planning, and much more. This retreat is also for the Moim/Morot along with their spouses, and children to engage in a time of recreation, fellowship, and relaxation.
The Retreat focuses on basic training in Torah foundations, vision formation, need assessments, evangelism strategies, discipleship, character development, leadership strategy, gathering strategy, stewardship strategy, Hebraic-centered worship strategies, administrative strategies, developing a team, and mileposts. Morim/Morot will create a plan of action for planting and assisting a Great Awakening Assembly including mobilizing your team, clarifying your vision, developing your strategy, core group formation, organization issues, equipping leaders, ministry development, and starting assemblies that reproduce. Other topics include….
- Leadership Development and Training
- Group Building Exercises
- Personality/Character Test Assessments
- Spiritual Gift Assessments
- Mental Health Assessments
- How to Start, Sustain and Strive as an Assembly
- How to build a Leadership Team
- Marketing Strategies
- Avoiding the Pitfall of Unintentional Syncretism
- Recruiting a Launch Team
- Contextualization and the Gospel
- End Time Preparations
- Who’s Who in the Scriptures
- Hebrew Apologetics
- How to Share the Truth (Great News) in your city
- Financial Strategies and Documents for Assemblies
- Torah-based Constitution for Great Awakening Assemblies
- Feast Days
- Torah-Based Personality/Character Test Assessments
- Spiritual Gift Assessment
- Mental Health Assessment
- Hebraic Doctrinal Beliefs
- Sacerdotal Training (Ketubah Marriages, Funerals, Dedications)
- Hebraic Counseling Training
- Spouse and Family Preparedness
- Prophetic Demonstrations
CONSECRATION & INSTALLATION GATHERING
GAI will install and consecrate new Morot (Male Teachers) and Morot (Women Teachers) on Sunday, October 6, 2024. The experiences of Israel were recorded so that we, Yah’s people, could learn from them today (1 Corinthians 10:11). The ceremonies foreshadowed future events. Even seemingly small events were intended to teach important lessons.
Consider the ceremony involved in the consecration of the Levitical priesthood, beginning with Aaron and his sons. The ceremony is described at the beginning of Exodus 29. The Hebrew word for “consecrate” means “to fill” or “fill the hand.” Yah intended that the priesthood would “fill” themselves with the work Yah set aside for them. The consecration ceremony was designed to physically demonstrate that.
Since the days of the patriarchs and throughout the Scriptures, YAHUAH has used sacred offices and ministries to guide the Assembly to the fulfillment of its earthly purpose. The earliest records of ancient writers have included Holy rituals that have given the Assembly its character and majesty. The Old and New Testaments contain depictions of YAHUAH’s design and relationship to the Assembly. The New Testament, in particular, gives fine points that outline the character and duties of the post-Resurrection Assembly.
The Scriptural models highlight the orders of commending ministries that give expression to the character of the Assembly. The Presbyters or Elders and MorIM are charged to govern, shepherd, proclaim the Besorah (Gospel), administer YAHUAH’s ordinances and strengthen the Assembly missionary zeal.
The Great Awakening Assembly recognizes those who are capable and called of YAHUAH to commend them for the work of the ministry. Their ability and gifting are acknowledged through ceremonial prayer and the laying on of hands. Those who are called are forever associated with the redemptive plan of YAHUAH for peace and reconciliation of Israel. The act of consecration is a public affirmation of the servant’s call and pledge of lifelong commitment to the cause of Yahusha HaMashiach and the Assembly.
MASSIVE HEBRAIC WEDDING & BALL
In marriage, we choose our spouses every day regardless of the ups and downs. This year you have the unique opportunity to exchange your vows again or for the first time with your spouse and recommit to choosing your spouse every day. Great Hebrew Awakening International is excited to announce we are hosting a massive vow renewal and ball October 9, 2024. The 8th day of Sukkot, Shemini Azeret. According to Leviticus 23, Sukkot begins on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Hebrew calendar. It lasts for seven days and then there is a bonus day called the 8th day or in hebrew Shemini Atzeret.
Leviticus 23:34–36
34 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to YAHUAH. 35 ‘On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. 36 ‘For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to YAHUAH. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to YAHUAH; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work.
On the last day of the feast, the great day (meaning the 8th day) is about New Jerusalem, A Future New Beginnings is about the prophetic Wedding Feast when Heaven comes down to earth. Here’s what Revelation 19 says about this 8th Day Wedding Feast.
Revelation 19:9
9 Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true words of Elohim.”
In fashion with the future wedding feast of Shemni-Atzeret (the 8th day assembly) the Great Awakening International’s massive vow renewal, on the beautiful grounds of Lawhorn Scout Reservation in Molena, Georgia, will be like nothing you have seen before. Couples from around the country will participate in a Hebraic exchange of vows and create a lasting memory with their spouse. What better way to celebrate one another and your covenant together then to incorporate the Hebraic view into your union. Couples are welcome to invite other guests to witness this exciting time, and our hope is you will leave the experience better bonded to your Ish or Isha. Whether currently married or exchanging vows for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with Mishpacha and one another.
Following the exchange of vows, couples and guests will attend a memorable ball and will enjoy a delicious catered meal by a local chef, musical guests, dancing, live entertainment, and keepsake items from the renewal. Prior to the vow renewal, couples will participate in private group workshops to prepare them for the details of the ceremony, the Hebraic customs, and how to customize their Ketubah. You will be in great company knowing that you are a part of a larger community supporting the success of your marriage.
Registration for couples includes:
- Preworkshops led by Dr. Ken and Morah Tawana
- Workshop at Sukkot to finalize your customized Ketubah
- Wedding Rehearsal
- Professional Photographs
- Symbolic keepsake items used for Hebraic vow exchange (Talit or Prayer Shawl, Two wine glasses, Chatan or staff for the groom)
- Parting Gifts to mark the occasion
- A fully decorated venue with a catered meal
- Evites to send to family and friends
- Couples will bring their completed Ketubah and their choice of a symbolic exchange of covenant (rings, tassels, bracelets) to the renewal.
Couples interested in participating should click here to register. Guests attending can find registration below. If Guests are not registered for the 8-DAY or 4-DAY Experience, they are required to pay a $65 registration fee for the Massive Wedding and Ball.