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Charoset (pronounced by most Americans as “har-oh-set”) is one of the items on a Seder Plate during a traditional Passover Seder. It is supposed to remind the Seder participants of the mortar between the bricks of the buildings the Israelite slaves built for their Egyptian captors. It’s in stark contrast to horseradish, which is eaten at the same time as charoset during a Seder. While horseradish is bold and shocking, charoset is sweet, mild, and pleasant.
This can be made a day or two ahead of time, which can give a Seder host a welcome break on the day of the Seder itself.
Any type of apple you like will work for this recipe. Gala are the most highly recommended and sweeter apples are preferred by most, but we usually use Granny Smith apples or a combination and it always turns out delicious!
Traditionally, a food processor is used, and the entire mixture ends up resembling the brick mortar from the Passover story. It can then even be molded into a pyramid shape to serve it! Many people simply chop the apples coarsely, giving the charoset a fruit salad type appearance. How you make yours is up to you!
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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!
So, to help the 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 begin at 10 am at the earliest, and some even meet as late as 5 pm. The reason for a later meeting time is that the Sabbath is supposed to be restful, allowing for an unhurried morning, separating the Sabbath 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 similarly to the 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 the men remove their hats for a 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!
On the same subject of the music is the 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 for performance but out of worship. People don’t generally use this as a time to bust out their moves, though. Instead, the dances are organized and comprised of steps the dancers have learned and practiced. They’re group dances, commonly circle dances, that are fun to participate in and pleasant to watch.
The Shema is said (at least once) during a Messianic service. The reason for this is two-fold. First, there’s an Old Testament command to say 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!
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, like I said before, 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.
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 usually said in Hebrew, then in English.
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.
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Passover is the account of God using Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt. While this amazing story is traditionally read during the Passover Seder, read it ahead of time if you’re unfamiliar with it. Even if you are, reading it again will get your heart in the right place in preparation form Passover and may reveal something new God wanted to show you!
Our children always watch The Prince of Egypt at least a few times during the Passover season. They pretty much know it by heart, but it never fails to bring up some great conversations about different aspects of the story.
The Passover itself can be found in Exodus 12, but start in Exodus 3 and read through chapter 15 for the whole story. While this summary can be read during a Seder or used for a brief re-cap, there’s no substitute for the bible version, so make sure to read it and take time to marinate in the awe of it sometime. Its message is life-changing!
Here’s a basic chapter breakdown (very paraphrased):
Exodus 3: God talked to Moses from the burning bush. He told Moses he had heard the cries of His enslaved people and of His plan to rescue them from Pharaoh in Egypt. He told Moses that Pharaoh wouldn’t listen at first, but he would later after he saw the wonders God would perform.
Exodus 4: Moses came up with some excuses as to why he shouldn’t be the one to carry out God’s plan. God got a bit miffed that Moses tried to get out of the job, then assured him he was well-equipped and the right man to lead the exodus of His people. Moses left for Egypt, and his brother, Aaron, met him along the way. Aaron told the Hebrew people of the plan when they arrived in Egypt.
Exodus 5: Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh and told him they were sent by God to take His people out of Egypt. Pharaoh then had his taskmasters increase the work of the Hebrew slaves. The Hebrew people turned on Moses because he’d caused them even more grief by angering Pharaoh. Moses questioned God because of the harsh circumstances brought on the Hebrew people.
Exodus 6: God told Moses He knew what He was doing and that He would do exactly as He said. Moses attempted to tell all of this to the enslaved people, but their spirits had been broken and they refused to listen. God once again told Moses to ask Pharaoh to let the people go but Moses was hesitant. God said, “I’m God. I say do it anyway”.
Exodus 7: God said, “Go and tell Pharaoh to let the people go. His heart will be hardened, and he won’t, but I will multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt. Also, do that miracle I told you to”. Before Pharaoh again, Moses threw down his staff, which turned into a serpent. Pharaoh again didn’t listen. God then told Moses to tell Pharaoh that the Nile River would be turned to blood. Moses dipped his staff in the Nile, and it turned to blood, and everything died, but Pharaoh again didn’t listen. God said to tell Pharaoh that a massive frog infestation was next.
Exodus 8: God told Moses to tell Aaron to stretch his staff out over the waters of Egypt and frogs covered the land when Aaron obeyed. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told them to ask God to take the frogs away. Moses cried out to God about the frogs. The frogs died and were piled up and made all of Egypt stink. Pharaoh hardened his heart again. God told Moses to have Aaron strike the dust and, when he did, it turned into gnats, which filled the land of Egypt. The next plague was of flies. They ruined all the land of Egypt, except Goshen, where the Hebrew people lived. Pharaoh agreed to let the people go but changed his mind once God removed the flies.
Exodus 9: A plague was brought on the Egyptian livestock and they died. Still Pharaoh didn’t let the people go. A plague of boils and sores followed. It again only affected the Egyptians and Pharaoh again refused to let the people go. God said He could’ve wiped the Egyptians out by now but hadn’t so He could show His power. The next plague was hail, which destroyed everything and everyone that wasn’t protected. It only fell on Egypt, not Goshen. Pharaoh agreed to let the people go, then again changed his mind.
Exodus 10: Two plagues were sent in this chapter – locusts to destroy the rest of Egypt’s land and a terrible darkness. Again, Goshen was spared. Pharaoh still refused to free the slaves.
Exodus 11: Moses warned Pharaoh that the next plague would be the death of the firstborn of all Egypt. Both livestock and humans would be affected but the Hebrew people would be kept safe. Pharaoh still did not let the people go.
Exodus 12: The Passover begins. God told Moses and Aaron the instructions to give the Hebrew people for protection from the plague of the firstborn. They were to slaughter a lamb and paint its blood on the doorpost or their house. Instructions were given for the cooking and eating of the meat and this was called God’s Passover. When God brought this plague onto Egypt, the blood on the doorposts caused Him to pass over the homes of the Hebrew people. God repeated the command to observe this Passover Feast forever many times in this chapter. Pharaoh finally caved and let the Hebrew people go. They fled Egypt.
Exodus 13: God commands the people to set apart every firstborn for Him and gives further instructions for the observation of Passover. God led the people to the Red Sea in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Exodus 14: Pharaoh realized what he had done and went after the Hebrew people to bring them back. The people were then trapped between the Egyptians and the Red Sea. God miraculously divided the sea so His people could cross, then closed the divide on the Egyptians as they followed, drowning them.
Exodus 15: Moses and his sister, Miriam, sang songs of praise to God for saving them and bringing them out of Egypt. They then headed into the wilderness as God’s free people.
It’s such an awesome story, isn’t it? I can’t help wondering what took Pharaoh so long. I’d like to think I’d cave long before the 10th plague, but it does say God hardened his heart, so there’s that. Please read about the Passover and the Exodus with a heart softened to hear what God has to teach you through it. Don’t let it become so familiar that you miss God’s supernatural glory in all of it!
