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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
Contents:
1. Who is Congregation Rosh Pina? Rosh Pina is a Messianic Jewish synagogue. Rosh Pina literally means "Head of the Corner" and is interpreted as "Chief Cornerstone." 2. What is a Messianic Jewish synagogue? A Messianic Jewish synagogue is a community of Jewish and non Jewish believers in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) where the expression of that faith and worship is distinctly Jewish. 3. Is it only for Jewish people? No. Rosh Pina is a house of worship for Jewish and non-Jewish people alike. All are welcome. 4. Is Rosh Pina a "Jewish Church" or a "Christian Synagogue?" Rosh Pina defines itself as a Messianic synagogue, which is the messianic expression in the Jewish community, and the Biblical Jewish expression of the body of Messiah. 5. Who exactly is a Messianic Jew? A Messianic Jew is a physical descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is joined by faith to Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel. 6. Are Gentile believers in the Messiah Yeshua welcome? Yes! Jewish and Gentile people are equally in need of G-d's one provision of atonement in the Messiah Yeshua. In the Messiah, both are equally a part of the Body of Messiah and are beloved of G-d. 7. Since Jewish and non-Jewish believers are equal before G-d, why then have a distinctly Jewish oriented congregation? Despite the fact that G-d has broken down the dividing wall between Jewish and non-Jewish, the Jewish people still retain a distinct calling, which G-d declares in the New Covenant. The New Covenant refers to this as the "saved remnant of the house of Israel." The Biblical Jewish expression of the congregation also states the original context in which the New Covenant was declared and to whom it was promised--the Jewish people. 8. Do Messianic Jews keep the Mosaic Law? Yes. Messianic Judaism teaches that the New Covenant did not do away with the Mosaic Covenant, but rather brought it to completion. The New Covenant is the empowering of individuals through the death and resurrection of Yeshua and the outpouring of G-d's Spirit to keep the laws contained in the Mosaic covenant. Obedience to Torah (the Mosaic Law), however, is not the basis of salvation, which is by faith in the finished work of Yeshua alone. The observance of Torah is practiced only in subordination to Yeshua. Living out the Mosaic Covenant, practically, must depend on the leading and guidance of the indwelling Spirit of G-d (rather than as a legalistic set of rules). Non-Jewish believers are encouraged to keep the moral laws contained in the Torah and are encouraged, as all are, to be obedient to all of G-d's Word. Jewish believers are to additionally keep the ceremonial, symbolic and festival laws. This is in accordance with Yeshua's own words when He stated that He "did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill." 9. Why do you have services on Saturday? The seventh-day Sabbath was given to Israel as a perpetual observance in the Mosaic Covenant. 10. What are the worship services like? Services begin at 10:30 a.m. The first hour is given
over to worship in prayer, praise, singing, various
traditional liturgical/cantorial aspects and Messianic
music. Songs and liturgy are in both Hebrew and English,
and are found within our congregational Siddur. An
overhead display is used as well. Verbals gifts of the
Spirit, such as prophecy, messages in tongues and
interpretations, operate in the services "decently
and in order." Davidic dance/worship is also a part
of the worship expression followed by the Torah service,
blessing over the children, and a teaching from G-d's
Word. The service is concluded with the recitation of the
Kaddish; Aleynu, other songs, as well as the Aaronic
benediction. There are always opportunity for those who
need prayer to be ministered to by the leadership.
Following each service is the Oneg Shabbat. Oneg Shabbat means Delight of the Sabbath and, in Rosh Pina, is a special time of fellowship with refreshments. Visitors are welcome to attend and become acquainted with the people of the congregation. Regular attendees are expected to sign up to periodically bring food and help clean up. The food for the Oneg must be kosher; therefore, pork products, anything containing animal fat or lard, or shellfish are not allowed. 12. How is the Congregation governed? Rosh Pina is governed by its Board of Elders, with the primary spiritual leadership residing in its Messianic Rabbis/Pastors. In matters affecting the conununity as a whole, congregational meetings are held where members and regular attendees have the opportunity to present their views; however, this is not a voting congregation. Rosh Pina is affiliated with the Messianic Council of Tikkun Ministries and as such, accountable to their leadership. Rosh Pina is also a member of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. 13. Apart from the Jewish elements, what are some of the goals and objectives of Rosh Pina? Yeshua, Himself, is the reason for Rosh Pina's ministry. In Him, the highest priorities for the congregation are: a sense and spirit of community, unity, outreach and evangelism to "the Jew first, and also the Gentile," family solidarity and Biblical upbringing of children, understanding Jewishness, teaching and learning, working with both the Jewish community and churches and restoring the Jewish roots to the Church. Rosh Pina also has a profound love for the nation of Israel, and is strongly pro-life. 14. Why do the men wear head-coverings and prayer shawls? These are traditional items of Jewish life, history and worship. The prayer shawl is called a tallit and the small round cap is called a kepah (Hebrew) or varmulke (Yiddish for "Reverence the king"). All males worshiping with Rosh Pina are encouraged to wear one or both of these accessories, but the conscience of each individual is respected in this matter. 15. Is Rosh Pina the same as "Jews for Jesus?" No. "Jews for Jesus" is an evangelistic organization based in California. Unfortunately, "Jews for Jesus" is typically a derogatory term used within the Jewish community for any Messianic Jew, much like "Jesus freak" or "Holy roller." Rosh Pina and Messianic Judaism are more like a Messianic branch of Judaism with its own rabbis, centers of leaming, materials, congregational confederations, etc. 16. Does Rosh Pina practice Water Immersion and The L-rd's Supper? Yes, but in their original Biblical Jewish context. Both practices originate from early Jewish tradition. Water Immersion is called mikveh and is usually done in a living body of water such as a stream or river. The L-rd's Supper originates from the Jewish practice of blessing the wine and the bread, more fully expressed at the Passover Seder where Yeshua used the Matzah and the Cup of Redemption to refer to His sacrifice. In the congregation, the L-rd's Supper is usually celebrated on the first Shabbat of each new Jewish month. Home Groups and families may celebrate this at other times. 17. Does Rosh Pina try to make everyone a Jew? No. Unity through diversity is understood in that we are many members of one body, and that in Messiah, there is neither Jew nor Greek. However, it is also understood that, given the calling of G-d upon Rosh Pina to a distinctly Jewish expression, those committed to this congregation should have a desire to live out their lives in a manner keeping with that calling. 18. What distinctly Jewish elements are incorporated into congregational life and worship? Shabbat observance, kashrut (keeping the Mosaic dietary laws), identification with Israel as the Jewish homeland, Jewish liturgical worship, Hebrew used in services, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, traditional dress (kepah and tallit), and the keeping of the Jewish Holy Days. 19. Do you pass a collection plate? Money is rarely stressed during services and no "collection plate" is passed. An offering box (tsedakah box) is located at the front and in the back of the sanctuary for the reception of tithes and offerings, similar to the days of the Second Temple. 20. What is Messianic Judaism? Messianic Judaism is the development of a truly Jewish expression of New Covenant teachings founded on the Jewish Scriptures. Though some would view this as a new movement, Messianic Judaism is actually a renewal and continuation of the first century expression of faith in the Messiah Yeshua. Rosh Pina has members from a number of different backgrounds including the main branches of Judaism as well as various Protestant / Catholic denominations. 21. What is Rosh Pina's attitude toward other congregations or churches? "There is one L-rd, one faith, one immersion, and one Body." Rosh Pina works with other congregations who share faith in the Messiah Yeshua. 22. Other than Shabbat services, when does Rosh Pina hold meetings?
23. What does Rosh Pina offer for children? Following the moming worship, the children attend Shabbat School classes for Nursery through 12th grade. Rosh Pina's home school network, Bet Yeladim, is available to members of the congregation, as resources permit. 24. Does Rosh Pina offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah for the children? Yes. Bar (Son) and Bat (Daughter) Mitzvah (commandment) is encouraged for all children. This ceremony recognizes the time of life when a boy (age 13) or girl (age 12) becomes responsible to follow G-d and obey the commandments. Children begin to prepare approximately one year prior to their respective birthdays. Training is centered around leaming G-d's Word as it pertains to a personal relationship with Him through the Messiah Yeshua. Also included is Hebrew, melodies for their Torah portion and various aspects of Jewish history and tradition. 25. How does one learn the special dances of the Shabbat service? Davidic worship dance classes are offered periodically. Those wishing to participate should contact the synagogue office. 26. Does Rosh Pina offer Hebrew classes? Yes. Hebrew classes are offered to both children and adults who attend the congregation. Some classes may be canceled for the summer months. 27. How does one become a member of Rosh Pina? Some of the basic membership requirements are:
To become a member, one must attend the New Members classes which are offered during the year. Following the completion of these classes, the individual will meet with the leadership for a final determination of eligibility. Finally, he or she will be presented the Congregation. To retain one's membership status, the membership requirements must continue to be maintained. If transferring from another Messianic synagogue or church, a letter of transfer or permission to speak with one's former congregational leader is required. |
