What to Expect When Visiting a Messianic Synagogue
When I started on my Hebraic path, not only did I not know what to expect, but I wasn’t sure I’d even be welcome at a Messianic Jewish Synagogue. Not being Jewish by heritage, I wondered if they’d be open to my visitation. But I had to find out, so I packed up my nine-month-old baby and decided to slip into the back of the sanctuary and observe a service.
Fast-forward to today, and I’m so glad I did! The first synagogue I attended was completely different from any Christian church I’d ever been to. However, what I could understand of the teaching and service was very Biblical and rich!
To help Christians interested in visiting their local Messianic synagogue but hesitant to do so, I’ve compiled this list of things it would be helpful to know ahead of time. All synagogues are different, so my list is based on the synagogues I’ve attended and those I’ve watched online. Your experience will undoubtedly differ from mine, but here are a few things you may find if you decide to visit.
They Meet on Saturday
Since the 7th day of the week is the Sabbath Biblically, they come together for worship on Saturdays.
All of the synagogues I know start later than the churches I’ve attended. Services typically begin at 10 am, and some even meet as late as 5 pm. The reason for a later meeting time is that the Sabbath is intended to be a restful day, allowing for an unhurried morning and separating it from the rest of the week’s busy mornings.
You’ll Probably Meet People Like Yourself
There aren’t just Jewish people at Messianic Jewish synagogues. I’ve found that most of the congregation is often Christian, with no Jewish heritage or background! They’re there to learn and worship just like you are!
You’ll find that many of the teachings are the same as what you’ll find at a Christian church. They teach that we’re saved by grace through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and not by works. They teach from the Old and New Testaments and serve communion like the traditional Christian church.
They’ll Greet You With “Shabbat Shalom”
Upon reaching the door of the first Messianic synagogue I attended, the smiling, friendly men standing outside said “Shabbat Shalom” as I approached carrying my little one. I didn’t understand them at all at that time, though! I smiled awkwardly, said “Good Morning” in response, and walked in the door, making a mental note to look that one up later!
Shabbat is Hebrew for Sabbath, and Shalom means peace. So when someone wishes you a Shabbat Shalom, they wish you a peaceful Sabbath. What a pleasant way to greet one another!
The Accessories are Unique
In the Christian church, it’s commonly known etiquette that men remove their hats during prayer. In a Messianic congregation, it’s just the opposite. Many men have their heads covered, either by a kippah, the traditional small hat many Jewish men wear, or by a fedora or other hat. Some women wear head coverings during prayer, liturgy, or Torah reading as a sign of reverence to God. Male congregants often have a prayer shawl, which rests on their shoulders but is also placed over their heads (and sometimes the heads of those close to them) during prayer.
You’ll probably also see blue and white tassels hanging from peoples’ clothing or prayer shawls. These are called tzitzit and are worn in response to the command in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12. They serve as a reminder not to stray from God’s commands.
You’ll Hear a LOT of Hebrew
Hebrew is the predominant language of the Old Testament and likely some of the New Testament. Many learn biblical Hebrew to aid in their study of the Bible and participate in the synagogue worship service.
If you don’t know Hebrew, it may seem like everyone around you at the synagogue knows Hebrew, but that’s probably not true. Those I’ve encountered are at varying levels of Hebrew knowledge, and because of this, the synagogue usually has an English translation to accompany what’s said in Hebrew. And a bonus – if you attend regularly, you can’t help but learn some Hebrew merely through exposure!
The Music is Intense
Although some of the music you’ll hear at a Messianic synagogue is the same as that of a Christian church, some is also very different. They commonly play music with an energetic Jewish rhythm. Other songs are deep and meaningful, and many are based on either stories or direct verses from the Bible. Here are some examples of popular songs for you to listen to.
There’s Dancing!
Regarding the music, there is also the subject of dancing. Both men and women, young and old, can participate in the dances that take place as part of the worship service. Most of the time, these dances are not performed for entertainment but rather as a form of worship. People don’t generally use this as a time to bust out their moves, though. Instead, the dances are organized and comprise steps that the dancers have learned and practiced. They’re group dances, commonly circle dances, that are fun to participate in and pleasant to watch.
They Say the Shema
The Shema is said (at least once) during a Messianic service. The reason for this is two-fold. First, there is an Old Testament command to recite the Shema twice daily. The second is that Jesus answered with the Shema when asked what the greatest commandment is (Matt 22:36-40).
It’s usually said in Hebrew and then English, and congregants often face East when reciting the Shema. They face East because East is the direction of Jerusalem, where God’s Temple site is and where our Messiah will set up the New Jerusalem, where all who believe in and follow him will reside with him one day!
They May Follow a Liturgy
Or they may not. I’ve been to synagogues that do both, but I wanted to include this because it may be foreign to those used to a more contemporary church setting. Some Messianic communities use a Messianic Siddur for the order of service, prayers, etc. Others use parts of the Siddur and put the words on a screen for congregants to follow. And, as I mentioned earlier, some don’t use one at all.
The Torah is Celebrated
During what’s known as a “Torah Service,” the Torah scrolls are paraded around the sanctuary, accompanied by joyful music, and then read afterward in Hebrew and English. This lively parade is to celebrate and revere the words of God. As Christians, we often forget what a tremendous blessing it is for God to have given us His written Word, but this is a beautiful weekly reminder of what a gift God’s Word is to us!
They Bless the Kids
Each Messianic community I’ve observed and attended has had a heart for the next generation. Biblically, we’re to teach our faith to our children, and these congregations take that directive very seriously and are deliberate about it. Sometime during the service, there’s a blessing over all of the children. The synagogues I’ve attended are also surprisingly child-friendly. They encourage those attending services to pass their faith on to their children, even if that means some background noise from wiggly children during the service.
There May Be a Shabbat School
Speaking of children, many Messianic synagogues have Shabbat School for the children. Shabbat School is a program similar to Sunday School, where the children learn biblical truths and about their faith. The Shabbat Schools my kids have attended also teach basic Hebrew letters and words.
One synagogue I attended didn’t have a Shabbat School because it encouraged parents to keep their children with them during services. The rabbi stated each Saturday that he loved having the kids in the service and that their noise and activity were a blessing, as they could learn from the synagogue proceedings and watching their parents worship.
They End with the Aaronic Blessing
It’s always a sweet moment when the end of the service arrives, and it’s time for this blessing. Families and friends gather together, sometimes joining hands, putting arms around each other, or covering each other with their prayer shawls to receive the blessing. It’s a warm and fuzzy moment where everyone in the room feels like family! The Aaronic Blessing is typically recited in Hebrew, followed by an English translation.
There’s a Weekly Potluck
Commonly referred to as an Oneg or “joy,” there’s often a meal following the Sabbath service. Members each bring a dish and eat together before going home or to further studies in the afternoon.
If you plan to attend an Oneg, they’ll probably welcome you regardless of whether you bring a dish. Just know that many synagogues have rules (biblically-based dietary rules) on what can be served if you decide to contribute. Ask ahead of time if you’re bringing a dish, but either way, enjoy this time of great food and fellowship!
Whether you’re just curious or planning a visit to a Messianic Jewish synagogue near you, this list should give you an idea of what goes on there. While the experience will be very different from what you’d have at a Christian church, I’ve found that both the teaching and practices are Biblically sound. Each of my family members has grown spiritually through the instruction we’ve received at the Messianic synagogues we’ve attended.
If you’re interested in finding a synagogue to visit 119 Ministry’s Fellowship Finder, the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, Tikkun America’s Congregation Directory, and the Answers in Torah Messianic Jewish Congregations Directory are great places to find one. Also, use the internet to search your local area for Messianic Jewish congregations, as they’re popping up very quickly in many states, as the movement is growing quickly right now!
For more information on finding a congregation, check out How to Find a Hebraic Congregation.
