Our Practices

Shabbat is the seventh day of the week, observed from Friday evening through Saturday evening. It is a day set apart for rest, worship, fellowship, and delight in G-d's goodness.We place a special value on spending Shabbat together as a community. When we gather on Shabbat, we set aside our ordinary work and observe the practices Scripture gives for the day, including refraining from kindling fires and from buying and selling. These practices help us honor Shabbat as a day set apart for G-d.At the same time, Shabbat is not meant to become a burden or a measure of spiritual worth. Yeshua taught that “Shabbat was made for man, and not man for Shabbat,” reminding us that its purpose is to bless and restore us as we walk with G-d.Biblical references: Genesis 2:1–3; Exodus 16:23–30; Exodus 20:8–11; Exodus 31:12–17; Exodus 35:1–3; Nehemiah 10:31; Nehemiah 13:15–22; Isaiah 58:13–14; Mark 2:27–28; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:14–16, 42–44.

Throughout Scripture, G-d sets apart particular days and seasons for His people to remember His works, worship Him, and gather together. We observe these biblical holidays as part of the life of our community, following the calendar given in Scripture and celebrating the story of G-d's faithfulness to His people.These include Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks), Yom Teruah (Trumpets)/Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Booths). We also observe other significant days found in Jewish tradition, including Purim and Hanukkah.As followers of Messiah Yeshua, we see these days within the larger story of Scripture and celebrate them with an awareness of how Yeshua's life, death, resurrection, and promised return relate to the hope they proclaim. We enjoy observing these days together through worship, teaching, prayer, meals, fellowship, and celebration. Biblical References: Leviticus 23; Exodus 12–13; Deuteronomy 16:1–17; Esther 9:20–32; 1 Maccabees 4:36–59; John 10:22–23; Acts 2:1; Acts 20:6, 16; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8.

Prayer is woven throughout our communal life. On Shabbat mornings, we follow traditional Jewish liturgy and include a Torah service as part of our regular gatherings. Alongside these traditions, we incorporate readings and prayers from the Brit Chadasha, including Avinu (Our Father), bringing together the Scriptures and traditions that shape our faith in Messiah Yeshua.While we do not currently have a dedicated Avodah (worship) music ministry, music and dance remain meaningful parts of our community life. We especially enjoy incorporating singing, music, and dance into our holidays, celebrations, and times of fellowship.If they choose to do so, men are welcome to wear a tallit (prayer shawl) during our services. Those who participate directly in the Torah service, including reading from or assisting with the Torah, wear a tallit as a sign of reverence for the sacred service. If you do not have a tallit of your own, one is available to borrow. We also provide opportunities for those who are new to the Torah service to learn how to participate, with guidance and encouragement along the way. No prior experience is expected, and we are glad to help people grow in confidence as they learn.Please note, we seek to treat the sacred Name of G-d with reverence in our community. As a matter of communal practice, we avoid using or writing the sacred Name in casual contexts, choosing instead to honor and preserve the holiness of His Name. Biblical references: Psalm 55:17; Psalm 95:1–7; Psalm 111:9; Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:1–6; Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 22:32; Numbers 15:38–40; Deuteronomy 22:12; Nehemiah 8:1–8; Luke 4:16–21; Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 11:1–4; Acts 2:42; Acts 13:14–16; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.

We value learning together and provide many opportunities to study the Bible in community. As the inspired Word of G-d, Scripture is the foundation and standard for all that we teach and learn. We seek to understand it carefully, consider its context, and apply it faithfully to our lives.Our studies draw from a wide range of Jewish and Christian sources, including devotionals, theologians, apologists, the Talmud, Midrash, and other rabbinic writings. We value the insight these sources can offer and the history and traditions they represent, while recognizing that Scripture alone is the inspired Word of G-d. Everything we teach is therefore measured against Scripture as our ultimate standard.We also believe that the Ruach HaKodesh works among all of G-d's people, giving us wisdom and understanding as we read and apply His Word. For this reason, we value learning from one another. Rather than relying on a single teacher, our studies are led by a rotation of facilitators who help guide discussion, encourage questions, and create space for the community to learn together.Biblical references: Psalm 119:105, 160; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21; John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:26.

We believe G-d gives each person gifts and talents that can bless others, and we want to make room for those gifts to be used in the life of our community. Whether through serving, teaching, creating, organizing, or helping meet the need of others, there are many ways to contribute and build one another up. We also believe community life extends beyond our regular gatherings. Alongside Shabbat and the biblical holidays, Scripture and tradition give us opportunities to honor G-d and celebrate together throughout the important moments of life. We celebrate and support one another through life cycle events such as Brit Milahs, Simchat Bats, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and other milestones. We also value the simple ways we share life through meals, hospitality, fellowship, and caring for one another.We desire to be a community where people are known, supported, and encouraged as we follow G-d and grow together in Messiah Yeshua.Biblical references: Exodus 31:1–6; Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–27; 1 Peter 4:10–11; Acts 2:42–47; Romans 12:9–15; Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 12:25–26.

Following Yeshua means more than learning what He taught. It means allowing His teachings to shape how we live, how we serve, and how we treat others. We seek to grow as His disciples by putting what we believe into practice and encouraging one another toward greater faithfulness.We believe discipleship is something we share with one another. As we learn, serve, and grow, we have opportunities to encourage others in their walk with G-d, share what we have learned, and help one another follow Yeshua more faithfully.Service is an important part of that calling. We seek opportunities to serve one another, our neighbors, and those in need, using the gifts G-d has given us. We also believe that making disciples is part of the mission Yeshua entrusted to His followers, and we desire to help others grow in their relationship with G-d.Biblical references: Matthew 4:19–20; Matthew 5:13–16; Matthew 20:25–28; Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 12:28–31; John 13:12–17, 34–35; Acts 2:42–47; Galatians 5:13–14; Ephesians 4:11–16; 1 Peter 4:10–11.

Meals are an important part of our community life. They give us opportunities for fellowship, hospitality, celebration, and caring for one another.We believe the dietary instructions given in the Torah are part of how G-d calls His people to live, and we seek to honor those instructions in our community. This means that we do not eat pork or shellfish.We recognize that individuals may observe other aspects of kashrut differently, including the separation of meat and dairy and the use of kosher slaughtered meat. To respect these different levels of dietary observance, most of our community gatherings follow a kosher pescetarian policy, with vegetarian dishes and kosher fish. This allows us to share meals together while honoring the dietary instructions we hold in common.Biblical references: Leviticus 11:1–47; Deuteronomy 14:3–21; Acts 15:19–20, 28–29; Acts 21:25.

As a Messianic Jewish fellowship, you will hear a variety of Hebrew, Greek, and Jewish terms throughout our worship, teaching, and community life. Some are words found in Scripture, while others have become familiar expressions within Jewish and Messianic Jewish communities.We use these terms to honor the Jewish context of the Scriptures and the faith of Yeshua and His earliest followers, not to create a barrier or require familiarity with another language. You do not need to know Hebrew or any of these terms to participate with us. This guide introduces some of the words you are likely to hear and explains what they mean.Scripture and FaithTanakhThe Hebrew Scriptures, traditionally divided into the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.TorahTeaching or instruction. Specifically, the first five books of the Scriptures, given through Moses.Brit Chadasha“New Covenant.” The writings commonly known as the New Testament.YeshuaThe Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning “salvation.”Mashiach“Messiah” or “Anointed One.”Melech“King.” A Hebrew word used throughout Scripture for a king.Ruach HaKodesh“Holy Spirit.” Literally, “the Spirit of Holiness.”ElohimA Hebrew name or title for G-d used throughout the Tanakh.Adonai“L-rd” or “my L-rd.” Traditionally used in Jewish reading of Scripture in place of pronouncing the Divine Name.HaShem“The Name.” A traditional Jewish way of referring to G-d without pronouncing the Divine Name.Olam HaBa“The World to Come.” A Jewish expression referring to the future age and the life to come.Kadosh“Holy” or “set apart.”Teshuvah“Repentance” or “returning.” The turning away from sin and turning back toward G-d.Mitzvah“Commandment.” The word is also commonly used to describe an act of obedience or a good deed.Avodah“Service” or “worship.” Avinu“Our Father.” A Hebrew expression used when addressing G-d.Our CommunityChavurat HaDerekh“Fellowship of the Way.” Chavurah means fellowship or close community, while HaDerekh means “the Way.”EkklesiaA Greek word meaning “assembly” or “gathering.” In the Brit Chadasha, it refers to the gathered community of believers.Talmid“Disciple” or “student.” A person who learns from and follows a teacher.Talmidim“Disciples.” The plural of talmid. We use this word to describe those who follow and learn from Yeshua.Shabbat and WorshipShabbat“Sabbath.” The seventh day, set apart by G-d as a day of rest, worship, and delight.Shabbat Shalom“A peaceful Sabbath.” A traditional greeting and blessing exchanged on Shabbat.Oneg“Delight.” We use this term for our time of fellowship and shared food following worship.SiddurA Jewish prayer book containing traditional prayers and liturgy.Parshah / ParshaThe weekly portion of Torah read and studied in Jewish communities. HaftarahA reading from the Prophets and Writings, traditionally paired with the weekly Torah portion.Aliyah“Going up.” Being called to the Torah to participate in its reading or recite the accompanying blessings.Shema“Hear.” The name given to the central declaration of Jewish faith beginning with Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The L-RD is our G-d, the L-RD is One.”Jewish Life and MilestonesBrit Milah“Covenant of circumcision.” The ceremony marking a Jewish boy’s entrance into the covenant, traditionally performed on the eighth day.Simchat Bat“Joy of a daughter.” A celebration welcoming and naming a baby girl.Bar Mitzvah“Son of commandment.” A Jewish coming-of-age marking a boy’s responsibility for observing the commandments.Bat Mitzvah“Daughter of commandment.” A Jewish coming-of-age marking a girl’s responsibility for observing the commandments.Shiva“Seven.” The traditional seven-day period of mourning following the burial of a close family member.YahrzeitThe anniversary of a loved one’s death, traditionally observed as a time of remembrance.Simcha“Joy” or “celebration.” A joyful occasion or celebration within the Jewish community.Mazel Tov“Good fortune.” A traditional expression of congratulations used when celebrating a happy occasion.L’Chaim“To life.” A traditional toast expressing gratitude and celebration of life.Biblical Holidays and Appointed TimesMo’ed / Mo’edim“Appointed time / appointed times.” The special times established by G-d in Scripture for His people to observe.Pesach“Passover.” The biblical festival commemorating G-d’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.Seder“Order.” The structured meal and retelling of the Exodus traditionally observed at the beginning of Passover.Shavuot“Weeks.” The biblical Feast of Weeks, observed seven weeks after Passover. It is also associated with the giving of the Torah and, in the Brit Chadasha, the outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh.Yom Teruah“Day of Trumpet Blasts.” The biblical appointed time described in Leviticus 23, traditionally associated with Rosh Hashanah.Rosh Hashanah“Head of the Year.” The traditional Jewish name for the beginning of the Jewish civil year, associated with Yom Teruah.Yom Kippur“Day of Atonement.” The biblical day set apart for repentance, fasting, and atonement.Sukkot“Booths” or “Tabernacles.” The biblical Feast of Booths, commemorating Israel’s dwelling in temporary shelters and celebrating G-d’s provision.SukkahA temporary booth or shelter traditionally built and used during Sukkot.Shemini Atzeret“Eighth-day assembly.” The concluding appointed day following Sukkot.Simchat Torah“Rejoicing in Torah.” A Jewish celebration marking the completion and beginning of the annual Torah reading cycle.Hanukkah“Dedication.” The Festival of Dedication, commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.PurimA festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction as recorded in the book of Esther.Jewish Study and TraditionMidrashInterpretation or exposition of Scripture, often exploring its meaning through stories, questions, and rabbinic discussion.DrashAn interpretive or homiletical teaching drawn from Scripture.TalmudA major collection of Jewish rabbinic discussion, interpretation, and tradition surrounding the Mishnah and other teachings.MishnahAn early written compilation of Jewish oral traditions and legal teachings.GemaraRabbinic discussion and commentary on the Mishnah. Together, the Mishnah and Gemara form the Talmud.KashrutThe biblical and Jewish laws concerning what foods are permitted and how food is prepared. The word is often translated as “kosher.”