FAQs

Who is Beit Shofarot?

Beit Shofarot is a Messianic Jewish synagogue. Beit Shofarot literally means "House of Shofars".

What is a Messianic Jewish synagogue?

A Messianic Jewish synagogue is a community of Jewish and non-Jewish believers in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) where the expression of that faith and worship is distinctly Jewish.

What is Messianic Judaism?

Messianic Judaism is a resurrection of the first century expression of faith in Messiah Yeshua. Since the New Covenant was given in a Jewish context, it is best understood in that context. Beit Shofarot has members from a number of different religious backgrounds in addition to the main branches of Judaism.

What exactly is a Messianic Jew?

A Messianic Jew is a physical descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who is joined in faith to Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel.

Does Beit Shofarot try to make everyone a Jew?

No. Believing that people should remain as they are, we do not practice ritual conversion. However, it is also understood that, given the calling of G-d upon Beit Shofarot to a distinctly Jewish expression, those committed to this congregation should have a desire to live out their lives in a manner keeping with that calling.

Is it only for Jewish people? Are Gentile believers in the Messiah Yeshua welcome?

Beit Shofarot is a house of worship for Jewish and non-Jewish people alike. Jewish and Gentile people are equally in need of G-d's one provision of atonement in the Messiah Yeshua. In the Messiah, both are equally a part of the Body of Messiah and are beloved of G-d. All are welcome.

Since Jewish and non-Jewish believer are equal before G-d, why then have a distinctly Jewish-oriented congregation?

Because there is a need for it. It is historical reality that people assemble with others of like culture, language and tradition. Rather than assimilating into the Gentile-dominated churches, the Jewish believer can worship G-d and practice his Messiah-centered faith in a context that respects Jewish life and tradition. Unlike in the Gentile Church our congregants can bar-mitzvah their children, observe the Jewish life-cycle events and Biblical holy days, and follow the weekly Torah readings. Maintaining one's Jewish heritage is a distinct calling not to be cast off when becoming a follower of Yeshua. Messiah does not ask us to stop being male or female, black or white, Jewish or Gentile. The New Covenant refers to Messianic Jews as a "remnant" within Israel who are "chosen by grace" (Romans 11:5). As such we must maintain that Jewish identity.

Why would a non-Jewish believer want to be involved with a Messianic Jewish synagogue?

Gentile followers of Messiah join for various reasons, including: To stand with Israel, to embrace the Jewish roots of the New Covenant, and to show their love for Israel and the Jewish people. Some join because they have a "Ruth like calling" in which they feel that G-d wants them to live as Jews, while some simply find great fulfillment and personal enrichment by observing things such as Sabbath and biblical holidays.

Why do you have services on Saturday?

The seventh-day Sabbath was given to Israel as a perpetual observation in the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 31:16-17, Lev. 23:3).

What are the worship services like?

Currently, services are held Saturday Mornings at 10:30 am We start with praise and worship including dance and flag worship.  We have a Torah Service.  After services there is an oneg (a time of fellowship and refreshment) and the opportunity for visitors to ask any questions that they may be curious about from our congregational leader and others in the body.

What is Oneg Shabbat & Kiddush?

Oneg Shabbat means "delight in the Sabbath". At Beit Shofarot it is a special time of food and fellowship. Visitors are welcome to participate in this "pot-bless" time of meeting new people and being encouraged in your faith by other believers. The food for the Oneg must be kosher (clean) by biblical standards(Lev 11); therefore, pork products, shellfish and anything containing animal fat or lard are not allowed.

How is Beit Shofarot governed?

Beit Shofarot is governed by a Board of Directors, one of whom is the Congregational Leader. The Congregational Leader, or Rabbi, carries the primary responsibility for teaching and daily ministry needs. The Board shares in responsibility as overseers of the congregation's finances, general spiritual life, and administrative affairs. The Leadership Board, Budget Committee, office staff, deacons, ministry leaders and others share in carrying out the work of ministry as is delegated to them. In matters affecting the community as a whole, congregational meetings are held (at least twice a year) to give financial reports, current state of affairs, and address any issues as needed. Though this is not a voting congregation, any person is free to present their ideas, concerns, or questions to leadership on a regular basis.

Apart from the Jewish elements, what are some of the goals and objectives of Beit Shofarot?

We seek to be a congregational home for both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Messiah Yeshua who are called into covenant community with one another, seeking to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven locally, in Israel and to the nations, within the framework Messianic Judaism (Ephesians 2:11-37; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; Matthew 26:26-29; Jeremiah 31:31-37; Romans 11:11-36; Acts 21:20; Luke 4:42-44; Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 28:19-20). We also believe in promoting biblical worship, prayer, covenant relationships, and personal holiness.

Why do the men wear head-coverings and prayer-shawls?

These are traditional items of Jewish life, history and worship. The shawl is called a "tallit" and the small round cap is called a "kippah" (Hebrew for "covering") or "yarmulke" (Yiddish for "reverence the king"). All males worshipping with Beit Shofarot are encouraged to wear one or both of these items, but the conscience of each individual is respected in this matter. Women, likewise, may use or not use appropriate head-coverings.

Is Beit Shofarot a Jewish mission or Para church ministry like "Jews for Jesus"?

No. Jews for Jesus is an evangelistic organization based in California. Unfortunately, the term "Jews for Jesus" is considered a derogatory term within the Jewish community much like others use the terms "Jesus freak" or "holy roller". Beit Shofarot and Messianic Judaism are more like a Messiah-centered branch of Judaism with its own rabbis, centers of learning, materials, congregational confederations, etc.

Does Beit Shofarot practice water baptism and the L-rd's Supper?

Yes. Immersion in water is practiced as a sign of one's beginning a new life of devotion to Messiah, and the L-rd's Supper is observed periodically usually in context of a meal when possible. Water Baptism (t'villah) has its roots in the Jewish rite of the "mikveh" (ceremonial washing) and the L-rd's Supper (shulchan Adonai) has its roots in the Jewish rite of Passover.

What distinctly Jewish elements are incorporated into congregational life and worship?

Just to mention a few: Shabbat observance, kashrut (keeping Mosaic dietary laws), identification with Israel as the Jewish homeland, Jewish liturgical worship, Jewish dance, use of the Hebrew language, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, traditional dress (kippahs and tallits) and observing the Jewish holy days.

Do you pass a collection plate?

Money is rarely stressed during services and no "collection plate" is regularly passed. An offering box is located in the back of the sanctuary for the reception of tithes and offerings similar to the days of the Second Temple. Occasionally an offering basket may be passed for special offerings or guest speakers.

What is Beit Shofarot's attitude toward other congregations or churches?

"There is one L-rd, one faith, one immersion" and "one body" (Eph 4: 4.5). Beit Shofarot cooperates with other congregations who share faith in the Messiah Yeshua. We seek to build bridges between churches and the Jewish people, fostering love for Israel, repudiating anti-Semitism, educating churches about the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and being a resource to that end.

Other than Shabbat services, what are some of the other services/gatherings that Beit Shofarot has?

Shabbat School, corporate prayer gatherings, Bible studies, praise services, topical studies, Hebrew classes, Torah study, women's and men's meetings, and special services for both Biblical and traditional Jewish holidays, e.g. Passover, Shavuot (Pentecost), Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Hanukah (Feast of Dedication) and Purim (Feast of Esther).

What does Beit Shofarot offer for children?

Beit Shofarot believes that the children are the foundation of our future. Bearing that in mind, we currently offer classes during the main service for children, age 10 and under. These classes, when possible, reflect the teaching being done in the main service because we believe that the sanctity of the family must be maintained in every manner possible. By teaching in this manner, parent and child are able to discuss the same basic teaching at his or her level.

Does Beit Shofarot offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah for the children?

Yes. Bar and Bat Mitzvah (Son of/Daughter of the Commandment) is available. This ceremony recognizes the time of life when a boy (age 13) or a girl (age 12) becomes responsible to follow G-d and obey the commandments. Children begin to prepare approximately one year prior to their respective birthdays. Training is centered on learning G-d's Word as it pertains to a personal relationship with Him through the Messiah Yeshua. Also included is training in Hebrew language, liturgy, and chants for Scripture portions as well as various aspects of Jewish history and tradition.

How does one learn the special dances of the Shabbot service?

Davidic worship dance classes are offered periodically. Those wishing to participate should contact the synagogue office.

Does Beit Shofarot offer Hebrew classes?

Yes. Hebrew classes are offered periodically, and Hebrew training is available to anyone who wishes, both children and adults.

How does one become a member of Beit Shofarot?

Currently Beit Shofarot does not keep membership rolls, but may in the future be starting one. Membership will be open to both Jew and non-Jew with stipulations. These stipulations are listed below...

• The applicant must profess and acknowledge that Yeshua is his or her personal Savior and that He is indeed the Messiah of Israel.
• The applicant must be willing to submit him or herself to the L-rd, to the Eldership of the Congregation, and to the other members of the Congregation respectively.
• Each applicant must be willing to support Beit Shofarot with his or her prayers, tithes and offering, and other resources as the L-rd leads and he/she is able.
• The applicant must be willing to present him or herself for the believer's immersion (t'villah) as a sign of obedience to G-d. (This applies only to new believers or those who have not been scripturally immersed).
• The applicant must successfully complete whatever course of instruction as the Eldership may elect to require for membership in the Congregation. A transfer member shall also provide a letter of reference from the leadership of his or her past congregation unless released from this obligation by a specific decision of the Eldership.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age or have a written consent from a parent or guardian and must agree with our Purpose, Vision, and Faith Statements. If the applicant is married but his/her spouse is not joining, that spouse must be in agreement and supportive of the applicant's decision to join. It is the desire of the Eldership that there be no division within the family. The Congregation shall not discriminate against race, national origin or gender in the acceptance of new members.

How long has Beit Shofarot and Messianic Judaism been around?

For hundreds of years after Messiah came, there were many Jewish Christians, called Nazarenes, but the movement slowly diminished and disappeared. In the late 19th century there again arose a small number of these believers, who were called Hebrew Christians during that era. In the late 1960's and 70's the movement exploded, leading to the formation of congregations and institutions. In May of 2008 Beit Shofarot was launched as a small Bible study teaching on the foundations of the Jewish roots in the Christian faith. Not until February 2009 was Beit Shofarot formally established as an Associate Congregation which will lead to the status of Congregation in the future.

Does Beit Shofarot advocate the use of the “unspoken” Name of G-d?

No, we do not for various reasons. One being that in the Jewish community the Name of G-d is not used out of respect for G-d. Another reason for our not using the unspoken Name of G-d is that the actual pronunciation of the Name is not truly known. YHVH or YHWH is what is called a tetragrammaton signifying the unspoken Name of G-d, but due to the fact that there are no vowel marks in the text there is no accurate transliteration. Understand that without the transliteration we cannot know the correct pronunciation. Further more, in the days of the second Temple, the Name of G-d was only whispered one time a year at Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and that by the High Priest. The only other time that the name could have been used was when someone was being tried for using the Name in an evil way. At that point the accuser was allowed to utter the Name thus condemning the accused. To further state our concerns over use of the Name let us take into consideration the fact that no where in the B’rit Hadashah (New Covenant) did Messiah Yeshua or any of the talmidim (disciples) ever once used the unspoken Name of The Most High! If Messiah, His only begotten son was so respectful of His Father’s Name, should we not be just as considerate? Last, but far from being the least is the fact that that our hope is to be witnesses to the Jewish people. The sounding of the unspoken Name is clearly by definition an insult to our Jewish brothers and we should choose to take the higher road by being not only aware of this, but also embracing it as a symbol of our respect to a Holy and Righteous G-d.

Does Beit Shofarot take the Feasts of The L-rd seriously?

Yes, we take the Feasts very seriously at Beit Shofarot. Something that everyone needs to understand is that we are Messianic Jewish! For instance, The Feast of Unleavened Bread is just that. HaShem (The Name) requires that during the Feast of Unleavened Bread that we eat only what? Unleavened Bread! To eat leavening is to make a mockery out of what G-d has commanded for it is in Exodus 13:7 that we read these words...Unleavened bread shall be eaten sevens days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. It is apparent that G-d meant business for several Scriptures refers to this feast to the point that one states that one who eats leaven from the first to the seventh will find their soul cut off from Israel (Ex. 12:15). OK, so now we are covered by the blood of Messiah and in Him there is forgiveness. On that point, we agree wholeheartedly. Yet, our main desire should be to please G-d, so why would we want to present ourselves for scrutiny concerning such a simple command? In case you’re wondering if the command has ended, read Exodus 12:17. If we do not take the Feasts seriously and then do all we can to live up to the expectations of those Feasts, then it would be better that we do them not at all! After all, if you have leaven at your Feast of Unleavened Bread, can you truly call it The Feast of Unleavened Bread? Study and truly understand The Feasts before taking them on. G-d honors the effort, but does not honor disrespect of His will!

Why does Beit Shofarot not use the name Yahshua for the name of Yeshua (Jesus)?

The transliteration Yahshua came from a group that began in the mid to late 30’s called “Church of God, 7th Day” (not to be confused with the Church of God). John Briggs and Paul Penn were the first to use the name Yahshua and there is no records pointing out as to how they came to the conclusion that this was the name of Yeshua. Sacred Name literature refers to John 5:43 as proof positive that Messiah’s name had to be Yahshua. The scripture quotes Messiah as having said “I have come in My Father’s Name.” This means that, in the minds of Sacred Name Believers that Messiah’s Name would have had to have contained the Name “Yah” in it to reflect the Name of the Father, Yahweh. The proponents of the Yahshua form claim that the Messiah’s name was the same as Joshua’s, written [vwhy or wvwhy (Strongs’s #3901)]. The only problem is that neither of these Hebrew spellings of Joshua’s name can possibly be pronounced “Yahshua”. The third letter in Joshua’s name (reading from right to left) is the letter vav (w) and a vav cannot be silent. The letter vav must be pronounced as either a “v” or an “o” or an “u”. In the case of Joshua, it takes an “o” sound, giving us “Ye-ho-SHU-a”. Strong’s confirms this pronunciation, and tells us that there were ten Israelite’s in the Bible who bore this name (#3442). Therefore the shortening of Yehoshua to Yeshua predates the Christian era by at least 500 years, and cannot be the result of a Jewish conspiracy to hide the Savior’s true name. To claim that the shortened form Yeshua is the result of a Jewish conspiracy is to ignore the facts of history and the facts of the Hebrew Scriptures. The form Yeshua existed for several hundred years before the Messiah was even born. Even in the pre-Christian Septuagint, we see the Greek form IHSOUS (Yesous) in the title of the Book of Joshua.

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