Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue

Kehilat 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.