Sh'ma Yisrael

Congregation Shema Yisrael calls itself a Messianic synagogue of Jews and non-Jews who believe in Yeshua. They worship the G-d of Israel in what they describe as a biblically Jewish way. Shabbat service meets Saturdays at 10 am, with childcare provided and ASL interpreting available on request. A Havdalah service is held on the first Saturday evening of each Jewish month. Worship is in Hebrew and English, and the community celebrates the Jewish holidays.

Shema Yisrael follows Biblical Judaism rather than rabbinical Judaism and teaches both covenants from a Jewish perspective. It holds that Jewish believers in Yeshua remain sons and daughters of Israel, called to keep their Jewish Biblical heritage. Gentile believers, the congregation teaches, are spiritually sons and daughters of Israel as well. In Messiah the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, and both worship together. The congregation affirms the divinity of Yeshua and salvation by grace through faith in his shed blood. G-d is understood as echad, a compound unity in three persons. Membership and leadership are closed to anyone who continues in homosexual practice or gender change, which it holds to be sin.

Rabbi Jim Appel has led the congregation since 1996 and has followed Yeshua since 1977. He is ordained by the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues. Classes range from Messianic Judaism and T'vilah (immersion) to Hebrew and Davidic Dance. A Shabbat School serves children.