Messianic Jewish Teachings

At Beth Immanuel, we ordinarily gather on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Av to celebrate the life and legacy of Paul Philip Levertoff. It’s another of our long-standing customs which will not be observed this year for the sake of precautions over the transmission of Covid-19. Rosh Chodesh Av is the first day of the fifth month on the biblical calendar and the beginning of a period of time called “the nine days” which concludes with the a solemn fast on the ninth of Av (Tisha b’Av). The ninth day of Av is the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple.

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Praying from the Siddur Quarantine Style

The Covid-19 epidemic is forcing us to stay at home. The governor of the State of Wisconsin has announced a mandatory “shelter at home” order as has the governor of Minnesota.

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Can a Gentile be Messianic?

Perhaps you have heard of a Messianic Jew. But is it appropriate to refer to a Gentile as “Messianic”?

A Messianic Jew is a Jewish person who practices Messianic Judaism. They share the same basic faith as other observant Jews throughout history. Their specific kind of Judaism, however, is one that acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah.

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What is a Messianic Jew?

All throughout history, there have been individuals of Jewish descent who have followed Jesus. Typically, this has meant leaving Judaism behind and embracing Christian theology and practice.

Towards the end of the 1800s, a new idea emerged among Jewish Christians. They realized that Jesus himself was Jewish, and in New Testament times, Christianity did not exist as a religion distinct from Judaism. So why should Jews who follow Jesus abandon their heritage to embrace something that was foreign even to him?

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Shabbat Candles: The Little Lights that Shine Throughout the World

Every Friday evening, as the sun is about to sink below the horizon, Jewish women around the world light candles. We are welcoming Shabbat, the weekly Sabbath. The glow of Shabbat candles is one of the most iconic and nostalgic images in the Jewish mind

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What is Shabbat?

At Beth Immanuel Messianic Synagogue, we honor Shabbat (the sabbath) on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. Every week, individuals and families set aside the day to rest from regular weekday routines. We spend the day singing songs, studying Scripture, sharing meals, and enjoying fellowship.

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Passover: Prelude on the Mountain

More than three years had passed since Yeshua of Nazareth, the rabbi from Galilee, began to travel and teach about the imminent appearance of the Kingdom of Heaven. His message of repentance, faith in him, and charity to the downtrodden did not sit well with the political and religious figures he encountered. The Sadducees feared his messianic proclamations would gain strength and cause Rome to marshall its soldiers and place Judaea under even stricter control than the status quo.

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The Four Mitzvot of Purim

Purim is a festive holiday commemorating the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people in Persia from near destruction. According to the book of Esther, Jews everywhere are obliged to celebrate this victory each year with four special practices. Learn about these fun observances and how you can participate!

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What is Rosh Hashanah?

When you look at some calendars you might notice the day labeled “Rosh Hashanah” either in September or early October. This is an important Jewish holiday which comes right from the Bible. It has important and deep spiritual meaning that is relevant to both Jews and Christians

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Counting the Omer

The command to bring the first sheaf of the harvest to the Temple is of great significance to the disciples of Yeshua. It is an obscure appointment on the Biblical calendar, sometimes called the First Fruits of the Barley Harvest, but better known simply by its Biblical name, “The Omer.” The Omer is a minor festival with major Messianic implications.

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