The Appointed Feasts, also known as the Feasts of the Lord, are sacred assemblies instituted by God for the people of Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. These feasts are detailed primarily in Leviticus 23, where God commands the Israelites to observe specific times of worship and remembrance. Each feast holds significant theological and historical importance, serving as a reminder of God's covenant, provision, and redemptive plan.

1. The Sabbath (Shabbat):
While not a feast in the traditional sense, the Sabbath is the foundational appointed time, occurring weekly. It is a day of rest and worship, commemorating God's rest after creation. Leviticus 23:3 states, "For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD."

2. Passover (Pesach):
Passover marks the beginning of the religious calendar and commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It is observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan. Leviticus 23:5 declares, "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month."

3. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot):
Following Passover, this seven-day feast begins on the 15th of Nisan. During this time, the Israelites eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of their departure from Egypt. Leviticus 23:6-8 instructs, "On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread."

4. Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim):
Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, this feast involves offering the first sheaf of the harvest to the Lord. It signifies gratitude for God's provision. Leviticus 23:10-11 states, "When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest."

5. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost):
Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, this feast celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai. Leviticus 23:16-17 commands, "You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD."

6. Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah):
This feast marks the beginning of the civil year and is observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri. It is a day of rest and trumpet blasts. Leviticus 23:24-25 instructs, "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts."

7. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
Observed on the 10th day of Tishri, this solemn day is dedicated to atonement and repentance. It is a day of fasting and prayer. Leviticus 23:27-28 states, "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD."

8. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
Beginning on the 15th day of Tishri, this seven-day feast celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. Leviticus 23:34-36 commands, "On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Feast of Tabernacles to the LORD, which lasts seven days."

9. The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret):
Following the Feast of Tabernacles, this day is a separate assembly and a time of rest. Leviticus 23:36 notes, "On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you are not to do any regular work."

These feasts are not only historical observances but also prophetic symbols pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His redemptive work. They serve as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and His plan for salvation.