The foundation of Messianic Judaism, is each individual's personal relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob through Messiah Yeshua. In the Hebrew Law God clearly demands a blood sacrifice for the remittance of sins. Each Messianic Jew recognizes his or her own sinfulness and has accepted that Yeshua Himself provided this sacrifice. Another important aspect of the Messianic Jewish movement is Jewish congregational worship. If Yeshua really is the Jewish Messiah of whom all the Jewish Law and Prophets spoke, then it is the most Jewish thing in the world to follow Him! Should Jews really attempt to assimilate into churches and forego their Jewish identity when they choose to put their faith in the Jewish Messiah? Messianic Judaism answers, "No!" As Yeshua Himself embraced His Jewishness, Messianic Jews seek to embrace theirs, by meeting in congregational communities with other Jewish believers and by maintaining a Biblically Jewish expression of their faith. Every congregation is different, but this expression often means worshiping in Hebrew, following Mosaic Law, dancing as King David did before the Lord, and keeping Biblical holidays such as Pesach, Sukkot, or Shavuot. Also important is Messianic Judaism's ministry to both the Jewish community and the Christian body of believers. Messianic Jews are part of the larger Body of Messiah throughout the world, and Messianic Jews hope to help all believers in Yeshua to better understand the Jewish roots of their faith. Finally, Yeshua declared that no-one can comes to the Father - the God of Israel - except through Him (John 14:6). Messianic Jews seek to share this way, this truth, and this life with their Jewish brothers and sisters.  Jewish Identity is defined by Tikvat Yisrael here in this white paper.  CLICK HERE

Tikvat Yisrael is home to many Jewish-Christian couples!  The Bilble speaks of a mystery, like a "marriage", how God can make the two become "ONE", Jew and Gentile in Messiah become: "Adam Echad" "One Man".  Ephesians 2:15 - בְּבַטְּלוֹ הָאֵיבָה בִּבְשָׂרוֹ אֶת־תּוֹרַת הַמִּצְוֹת וְהַחֻקּוֹת לִבְרֹא בְנַפְשׁוֹ אֶת־הַשְּׁנַיִם לְאָדָם אֶחָד חָדָשׁ וַיַּעַשׂ שָׁלוֹם׃ While Messianic Judaism is the "Jewish" part of the Body of Messiah, we do not teach that all Gentile Believers are called to be at a "Messianic Synagogue".  However, there are certain non-Jews that God has called to stand with us and be with us in community.  We refer to this calling as a "Ruth-like Heart", or the "Heart of Ruth".  Ruth in the Bible said to her Jewish mother-in-law, "Your People are my People, Your God is my God, and where you go (the "Land"), that is where I'll be buried."  (Ruth 1:16).  For more in this topic, check out the book, "What about Us"? by Eitan Shishkoff, which is written all about this subject.  Find it HERE

Another frequent question is regarding "conversion" to Messianic Judaism.  Do Messianic Jews practice conversion?  1 Corinth. 7:17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, let him walk in this way. I give this rule in all of Messiah’s communities. 18 Was anyone called when he already had been circumcised? Let him not make himself uncircumcised. Has anyone been called while uncircumcised? Let him not allow himself to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing—but keeping God’s commandments matters. 20 Let each one remain in the calling in which he was called.

See the attached article explaining more   HERE

For good resources on what the Biblical commandment is regarding Counting the Omer, click here

More resources on Counting the Omer  HERE

A good Omer Chart is available HERE

Psalm 134 2 says, " Lift your hands toward the sanctuary, and bless Adonai."  and Psalm 149:3 says, "Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp." We believe in Davidic style worship, praise and dance.  Our services are lively yet always remaining "In Order".  All are welcome to participate at their own level of comfort.  All prayers that are done in Hebrew are displayed in English as well for all to follow and comprehend.

Our office often receives calls asking if Tikvat provides transportation to our services. Long ago it was a common practice for many churches to own buses and vans driven by “volunteers” who provided transportation to their members and guests. Unfortunately, due to increased liability and insurance costs towards churches and communities of faith; it is no longer feasible to provide such a service. Tikvat Yisrael’s policy has been and remains that we (Tikvat) does not provide transportation to, or from our services. Furthermore, our recommendation for all members and guests who do not have access to private transportation, is to utilize either public transportation or acquire their own taxi service or perhaps “uber”. For those who are handicapped we also recommend RTA’s Para-transit Service 216-566-5124216-566-5124, or go to: http://www.riderta.com/paratransit

A word of caution is also in order for all members who car-pool or provide transportation to others. First, never provide transportation to someone you do not know. For safety purposes, use discernment and do not agree to transport individuals in your personal vehicle who you do not know. No one is allowed to solicit transportation at our services from our members. If someone asks you for a ride, contact an usher or an Elder immediately and our policy will be explained to that individual. Tikvat has a separate policy for indigents or those in need of benevolence.

Secondly, you should be aware that if you agree to provide transportation to a friend or another member of Tikvat that you are familiar with, you are subject to the laws of the State of Ohio, and legal liability for that person’s safety while in your vehicle. Regardless, if you are transporting an individual to Tikvat or anywhere else, you are the one taking the personal risk, not Tikvat Yisrael.

You should check with your insurance carrier to make sure you have adequate liability coverage in the case of an accident and injury to one of your passengers. Additionally, you also are taking the personal liability if you check someone out of a medical facility. Remember, if you sign someone out of a hospital or other medical facility, you are taking the personal responsibility for the care of that person while they are in your personal care. The leadership of Tikvat Yisrael does NOT recommend carrying or lifting or transporting someone out of a wheelchair into your own vehicle especially if you do not have the professional training and background on how to transport the elderly and handicapped. We suggest using RTA or another professional medical transit service provider.

It is the desire of the Board of Elders to send this reminder to make sure that all of our members remain safe and make responsible decisions regarding their own transportation needs and assisting others. We appreciate your attention to this reminder and consideration in following this policy. Contact our office if you have any questions regarding this matter.  (posted: May 3, 2016

Click here to download Rabbi Eric's new book explaining Mikveh.