Tikvat Israel

Tikvat Israel is a Messianic synagogue in the center of Richmond, Virginia. Shabbat services are held on Saturdays at 10am. Founded more than 30 years ago, the community belongs to the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and Tikkun America. It describes itself as a place where Jewish people and their family and friends can experience a Jewish service and community. All of this rests on the belief that Yeshua is the Messiah of Israel.

The congregation understands Messianic Judaism as "that branch of Judaism which claims that Yeshua is the Messiah of Israel." Messianic Jews, it teaches, follow Yeshua's example by continuing to live as faithful Jews. It affirms that Yeshua is worthy of worship and brings Jewish life to its fullness. Yeshua is central here, and the New Testament holds a prominent place. Gentile followers of Yeshua come alongside Messianic Jews in a shared mission. That mission is to build a congregation for Yeshua within the Richmond Jewish community.

The synagogue building was constructed in 1914 for a Baptist congregation. From the 1940s through the 1970s it was home to an Orthodox synagogue. Tikvat Israel bought it in 1990 under Rabbi Jamie Cowen. The congregation sees that Jewish and Christian history as reflecting its own identity. Rabbi David Wein leads the congregation today. He grew up as a Reform Jew in Richmond and holds rabbinic ordination with the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations.