Messianic Jewish congregations in California

Ben David Messianic Jewish Congregation
Orange, CABen David Messianic Jewish Congregation gathers in Orange, California, every Shabbat morning at 10:30. Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua worship together, with Hebraic worship, Davidic dance and Bible teaching from a Jewish perspective. A prayer meeting begins at 9:00, before the service. The name means "Son of David," chosen to keep the focus on the person of the Jewish Messiah. The congregation states its vision plainly: "To restore the Jewishness of the Gospel." Many of its members are Jewish, and they hold that acknowledging Yeshua as Messiah does not cost anyone their heritage. Ben David teaches that Israel remains God's chosen people, distinct within the body of Messiah, and that Israel's election is irrevocable. It affirms Yeshua's full deity and full humanity. Salvation, it holds, comes by grace through faith in Yeshua alone, for Jew and Gentile. It believes Jewish and non-Jewish believers are both free to keep aspects of the Laws of Moses as the Lord leads them. Salvation has never come from keeping those laws. Shabbat School serves children from preschool through high school, using Messianic curriculum that follows the Jewish calendar and the biblical feasts. A nursery is available for the youngest. Hebrew classes run at beginning and intermediate levels, with a Torah reading class as well. The community holds monthly Sisterhood and men's fellowship meetings and keeps a prison ministry of letters, gifts and visits. Doug Friedman founded Ben David and serves as its Messianic Rabbi Emeritus.MessianicAMC
Bet Shalom Messianic Congregation
Fresno, CABet Shalom is a Messianic congregation in Fresno, California, where Jewish and Gentile believers worship Yeshua together. It gathers every Shabbat at 11:00 AM. The morning brings worship in Hebrew and English, the shofar, Messianic dance, and a Torah reading that follows the traditional Jewish cycle. A Messianic Lifestyle Class meets at 9:00 AM beforehand. Oneg follows at 1:00 PM with a shared meal, kept free of pork and shellfish. Havdalah and Seudat Ha'Adon, the Lord's Supper, are each observed monthly. The congregation holds that Yeshua is the promised Messiah of Israel and is God, and that salvation comes by grace through faith. Jewish believers in Yeshua, it teaches, remain Jewish. Gentile believers are understood as "grafted into" the Jewish olive tree of faith, becoming spiritual sons and daughters of Abraham. Bet Shalom observes the biblical feasts, from Passover to Sukkot, and affirms the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. Its mission includes proclaiming the good news "to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile." Rabbi Amnon Shor leads the congregation with Rebbetzin Lynette Shor. Born in Israel to an Orthodox Jewish family, he fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War while serving in the Israeli Army. Each Shabbat he teaches the Scriptures from a Hebrew and Jewish perspective. Beginner Messianic dance classes meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Feast days bring special services and meals throughout the year.IAMCSMJAA
Beth David
Clovis, CABeth David Messianic Congregation gathers in Clovis, California, as a community of Jews and Gentiles. They worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Israel, through the promised Jewish Messiah, Yeshua. The congregation sums itself up as "Jew and Gentile Worshiping Together in Spirit and in Truth." On Saturday mornings a Worship and Torah Service begins at 9:30. Torah Study follows at 11:00 and runs until noon, and it is also streamed online. The study follows the weekly Parashah, the same readings heard in synagogues and study halls around the world each Shabbat. Newcomers can enter the annual cycle at any point. Those new to the five books of Moses are welcome alongside those who have studied them for years. Beth David describes its Torah study as centered on Yeshua, based on grace and oriented toward obedience. Its prayer for that hour comes from Psalm 119:18, asking for open eyes to see wonders in the Torah. Pastor Rick Arii leads the congregation. Beth David also offers guidance on making challah and on how to pray for Israel.Tikkun America
Beth Shalom
Corona, CABeth Shalom is a Messianic Jewish community in Corona, California, where Jews and Gentiles believe in Yeshua as the promised Messiah of Israel. The congregation gathers for its Shabbat service on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Its life draws on a line from Pirkei Avot: the world is sustained by Torah, by service and by acts of loving-kindness. The community began in 1987 as a home fellowship called Shalom Fellowship, led by Bill and Nancy Rothschild. Those early years were spent in Colton, east of Los Angeles. In 2012 the congregation made an offer on its own property in Corona. The building had been planned and developed by a Conservative Jewish congregation. Beth Shalom hopes to be "an example and a catalyst to the surrounding Jewish community of Corona and beyond." A father and son lead the congregation. Rabbi Rene Bloch, now rabbi emeritus, was elected senior rabbi of Beth Shalom in 1991 after years at Beth Messiah Congregation in Maryland. He continues to lead alongside his son, Rabbi Robert Bloch. Robert holds a master's degree in Jewish Studies from the Messianic Jewish Theological Institute. He served as Secretary of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations from 2010 to 2012.Tikkun America
Beth Yeshua Messianic Synagogue, CA
Sacramento, CABeth Yeshua is a Messianic Jewish community in Sacramento, California, and a member of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. It describes itself as "a community of Jewish people who love and serve Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah." Jewish and intermarried families stand at its center, and the community helps them work through questions of identity and Yeshua faith. Gentiles take part when they have a call, confirmed by the leadership, to stand beside the Jewish people. That call includes sharing the good news of Yeshua with Jewish people in their lives. Beth Yeshua explicitly rejects Hebrew Roots theology, along with the replacement theology it sees in that movement. It holds that the existence of Israel is a miraculous work of God. In the congregation's view, God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob a real, physical land and keeps His promises. The community prays for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem, supports ministries there and recommends aliyah. Rabbi Richard Rubinstein and Shari Rubinstein founded Beth Yeshua in 1991 with the Schley family, first meeting in a home. Since 2011 their son Joshua Rubinstein has served as congregational leader. He is pursuing Smicha, rabbinic training and ordination, through MJTI. Shari Rubinstein, the founding rebbetzin, oversees Hebrew classes for adults and children. Shacrit services are held every Shabbat morning, with services for the Jewish festivals and holy days. Children ages 5 to 11 attend Shabbat School, alongside toddler care and a youth group for teens. Preparation is offered for Bar and Bat Mitzvah or Righteous Gentile Confirmation. The address is not published, and visitors are asked to make contact before coming on Shabbat.UMJC
Congregation Tsemach Adonai
Los Gatos, CACongregation Tsemach Adonai is a Messianic Jewish community in Los Gatos, serving the Bay Area of California. It gathers every Shabbat morning at 10:30, both in person and online. The name is Hebrew for "Branch (or shoot) of the Lord," drawn from Isaiah 4:2. A member of the UMJC, the congregation welcomes Jews and non-Jews, including inter-faith families and those who are curious. Tsemach Adonai describes Messianic Judaism as "a Torah-based Judaism grounded in the Bible." It understands the movement as rekindling the spirit of the first-century Nazarenes who followed Yeshua. The congregation holds that the Tanakh and B'rit Chadashah contain all that is needed for doctrine. Its traditions are meant to rest on and conform to the Scriptures. It teaches that Yeshua's atoning work is the basis for G-d's grace, which is entirely unmerited. Standing with the wider Jewish community and the state of Israel, it is committed to the continuity of the Jewish people. The Shabbat service is bilingual, with praise, prayer and liturgy in English and Hebrew. Those attending in person can follow a translation of the whole service in Spanish and American Sign Language. Multi-level Hebrew classes run from beginners through liturgy reading and conversational Hebrew. Members also gather for festivals, holidays, lifecycle events and birthdays.UMJC
Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue
San Diego, CAKehilat Ariel, whose name means "Congregation of the Lion of G-d," is a Messianic Jewish synagogue of Jews and Gentiles. Rabbi Barney Kasdan and his wife Liz planted it in November 1981, with 17 people at the first Shabbat service. Rabbi Kasdan remains its rabbi and is ordained through the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. Members include Jews from orthodox to secular backgrounds, along with non-Jews and intermarried families. The congregation holds that Yeshua is the promised Messiah of the Jewish Scriptures. Because he is the Jewish Messiah, it believes in maintaining a Jewish expression of faith. Passover, Sukkot and the other biblical holy days are celebrated, along with many customs of Jewish heritage. Non-Jews, it teaches, are grafted into "the rich root of the olive tree" of this Jewish biblical heritage. Kehilat Ariel describes itself as a strong supporter of the Jewish people in Israel. It prays for the peace of Israel and the whole Middle East. Worship, or avodah, draws on Carlebach Chassidic tunes, Israeli traditional songs and modern Messianic jazz. Traditional Israeli dance is part of almost every Shabbat and holy day service, and anyone may learn and join in. The outreach band Zemer Yeshua performs concerts in the wider community. A six-week confirmation class covers Jewish history, the holy days and the philosophy of Messianic Judaism. The Mayim Hayim Resource Center offers Messianic Jewish books and a library.UMJC
Ohav Shalom Messianic Congregation
Palm Springs, CAJews and Gentiles worship Yeshua together at Ohav Shalom Messianic Congregation in Cathedral City, California. Shabbat begins around 10:00 on Saturday mornings. Worship with singing and dancing comes first, then the parashah and a sermon, then fellowship over Oneg Shabbat. Each Saturday service is also streamed live. A prayer group meets one Tuesday evening a month. Describing itself as a Messianic Jewish congregation, Ohav Shalom encourages Jewish people to remain Jews. Gentiles are invited to discover the Jewishness of the faith. Members come from backgrounds ranging from Orthodox to formerly agnostic, Catholic and Protestant. The congregation affirms that Yeshua is the promised Messiah of Israel and is God, and that salvation comes by grace through faith. It holds that the Jewish people will return to the Land of Israel in peace, through a joint work of Jews and Gentiles. Rabbi Paul Liberman leads the congregation. A believer in the Messiah since 1971, he helped found Beth Messiah in Washington, D.C., and Tree of Life in San Diego. He lived in Israel for nine years and now serves as President of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance. Ohav Shalom belongs to the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues, which is affiliated with the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. Alongside Shabbat, the community celebrates the Jewish holidays and holds Bible studies.IAMCSMJAA
Shuvah Yisrael
Irvine, CAShuvah Yisrael is a Messianic Jewish congregation in Irvine, California, gathering every Saturday morning at 10:00. Its name means "Return, O Israel," taken from Hosea 14:1. That call to turn back to God shapes the congregation's focus, which seeks to bring the Jewish people back into relationship with Him. Services are also streamed online. The community sees itself as a Messianic Jewish family. Its members commit to one another's growth while sharing the message of Yeshua with the Jewish people. It holds that Yeshua of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of Israel, fully God and fully human. Forgiveness of sin comes through faith in Him, not through human effort or merit. Jewish and Gentile believers are united as equal members of one body of Messiah. The congregation affirms that God's promises to the Jewish people in the covenants of the Tenach remain in effect. It also believes that Israel as a nation will one day recognize Yeshua as Messiah. Children attend Shabbat School, which teaches from the Tenakh and B'rit Chadasha through Bible study, biblical holidays and age-appropriate activities. Lessons trace the gospel from creation through the Patriarchs, the feasts and the prophets to Yeshua. The congregation also has chavurahs. A worship team of musicians and vocalists leads praise together with a cantor.Chosen PeopleIAMCSMJAA
Simchat Yeshua
San Jacinto, CASimchat Yeshua calls itself a Messianic Jewish synagogue and is based in the Hemet and San Jacinto area of Southern California. Rabbi Brian Bileci and his wife, Rebbetzin Magali Bileci, have led the congregation for 16 years. Discipleship sits at the center of its life. The congregation teaches that Yeshua, though anointed as Messiah, arose as "a wise teaching rabbi" whose students learned by following how he lived and prayed. It draws on the Mishnah's picture of disciples sitting at their teacher's feet to describe what following the Messiah means. Torah, the Prophets and the prophecies of the Messiah are studied together. Its leaders speak of bridging gaps between groups and generations, for Jews and Gentiles alike. The community calls this family life "Mishpocha." Rabbi Bileci is of Sicilian and Ashkenazi descent and holds a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies with a focus on Jewish studies. He was ordained as a Messianic rabbi through the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. He and Magali teach so that Jews and Gentiles discover the Jewish roots of their faith. The congregation held a Passover seder for Pesach 5785.IAMCSMJAA
The Disciple Center
Anaheim Hills, CAThe DiscipleCenter calls itself "a Judeo-Christian Community of Faith." It was formed by Christians committed to the unity of Messianic Jews and Gentiles. The community draws on the traditions of both Judaism and Christianity. It holds ties to the Southern Baptist Convention and to the Messianic Movement. Part of its aim is helping denominational churches understand the calling of the Messianic Movement within the larger Jewish community. The congregation rejects the view that the Church has replaced Israel. It holds that believing Gentiles are grafted into the root and belong to the commonwealth of Israel. Jewish believers are to remain Jews, a light to the nations through their observance of Torah. Gentile disciples remain Gentiles. The two are "One" in the Messiah but not the same. Salvation, it teaches, has always been by grace through faith. Teaching of the Law and fitting obedience should continue until all is fulfilled. Worship follows a liturgy modeled on the Tabernacle and Temple, with elements of Jewish and Christian prayer. Members lead the readings, prayers and songs. Before the sermon, the Torah scroll and a Gospel codex are carried from the Ark across the sanctuary. Children go to their own classes during the teaching. The community describes itself as private and does not publish its address. Visitors contact the congregation first and are paired with a member host.Jewish rootsUMJC

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Common questions

How many Messianic congregations are listed in California?

11 congregations are listed in California. 0 have been verified or claimed by their leaders within the past year.

Which streams are represented in California?

Congregations here list these affiliations: UMJC, MJAA, IAMCS, Tikkun America, AMC, Chosen People.

How do I add a congregation?

Submit it for free. Each listing is checked against our standards, and the congregation’s leaders can claim it afterward to keep it current.

Ben David Messianic Jewish Congregation

Bet Shalom Messianic Congregation

Beth David

Beth Shalom

Beth Yeshua Messianic Synagogue, CA

Congregation Tsemach Adonai

Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue

Ohav Shalom Messianic Congregation

Shuvah Yisrael

Simchat Yeshua

The Disciple Center

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Common questions