Congregation Simchat Yisrael

Simchat Yisrael, whose name means "Joy of Israel," is a Messianic Jewish congregation in West Haven, Connecticut, serving greater New Haven since 1986. It describes its calling as "Jewish life renewed in Yeshua." The community exists to provide a spiritual home for those who are Jewish or intermarried. It also seeks to impart Jewish life, renewed in Yeshua, to the next generation and to welcome Jewish spiritual seekers. People from non-Jewish backgrounds who are called to support and share in the life and destiny of the Jewish people belong here too. Simchat Yisrael is a member of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and affiliated with the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council.

Shabbat services begin Saturdays at 11:00am and are also livestreamed. Worship follows a traditional prayer book, with liturgy in Hebrew and English set to contemporary music. At 9:30, a Bible study taught from a Jewish perspective meets beforehand. After the service comes a light meal at the oneg, followed by afternoon studies and classes. Children have nursery care, a Junior Shabbat program and a teen youth group called L.A.U.N.C.H. Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation is offered. Intercessory prayer meets Tuesday evenings on Zoom, and in person on the second Thursday of most months.

Rabbi Dr. Joshua Brumbach serves as senior rabbi. He is ordained by the UMJC and the MJRC. Rabbi Tony Eaton led the congregation from 1991 to 2021 and remained Rabbi Emeritus until his death in 2026.