Messianic Judaism is one of the most misunderstood organizations in both Traditional Judaism and Traditional Christianity. We strive to serve as a bridge between these two seemingly contradictory worlds, albeit not always effectively. Our views on both worlds and our attempts to uphold Scriptural Truths contribute to this misunderstanding. As believers, we follow the teachings of both the Tanach (Old Testament) and the B’rit Chadesha (New Testament). A common misconception within Traditional Jewish communities is that we believe in three G-ds. However, we believe in One G-d, as aligned with our understanding of Triunity, which emphasizes the single, unified essence of G-d, as opposed to the Trinity. The term 'Triunity' is considered more precise, as it highlights the unified essence of G-d, whereas 'Trinity' can be misinterpreted as three separate entities. Messianics are often perceived as holding uniform beliefs. Nevertheless, this is not the case. Just because someone claims to be Messianic or Messianic Jewish does not necessarily imply a shared set of beliefs. Some Jewish individuals who have come to faith in Yeshua may abandon their Jewish heritage and adopt purely Christian views, yet still claim to be Messianic Jews. However, according to the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA), the largest Messianic Jewish Alliance, “‘Messianic Judaism is 'a biblically-based movement of committed Jews who believe in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Jewish Messiah, as spoken of in the Jewish Law and Prophets. It is defined by a commitment to Jewish identity, traditions, and life rooted in Torah, all while expressing that faith in the context of the New Covenant.'” Therefore, a Jewish individual who has come to faith but lives out that faith in a purely Christian context is more accurately described as a Christian Jew. There are also numerous groups, often led by Gentiles, that identify themselves as Messianic and go by names such as Two House, House of Israel, Hebrew Roots, and Pronomians, among others. These groups hold varying beliefs, some of which may be similar to or distinct from mainstream Messianic Judaism. Beit Shofarot and its affiliates are not any of the aforementioned organizations. We are Messianic Jewish organizations. This does not imply that Messianic Jewish Synagogues and Congregations share uniform beliefs though. In fact, many groups within our organizations hold different views on how to live out their faith, much like Catholics and Protestant groups have varying views on Christianity. Some choose to follow certain aspects of Jewish traditions, such as Gezeirah, which involves the separation of all meats and dairy products, while others adhere solely to biblically prescribed notions. To understand this, different Jewish communities have varied approaches to Halakha, which refers to the practical application of Scriptural instructions. While each community agrees on the importance of the fourth commandment to remember the Shabbat and keep it holy, as well as the seven Moedim (Appointed Times of HaShem), the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and/or The Moedim can vary according to the specific Minhag of the local community of faith. A Minhag in Messianic Judaism refers to the understanding of a local community regarding how to carry out certain practices, such as worship services or dietary laws, based on traditional rabbinical and sometimes even Christian teachings, without contradicting Scriptural truths. Takkanah, or 'case law ordinance,' refers to laws instituted by rabbis that do not directly derive from the Torah but are seen to be inferred from its interpretation. These include those concerning the halacha concerning Passover. Ashkenazic Jews accept certain takkanot that Sephardic Jews may not recognize as binding. Messianic Judaism and Christianity share a common belief in the Messiah, Yeshua. We believe that salvation is found through repentance and acknowledgment of Yeshua as the Son of G-d, whose death on the stake brought about the only true redemption known to mankind. A common misconception, sometimes perpetuated by those who claim to be Messianics, is that we believe salvation is found in following the Torah. In reality, we believe that following the Torah, to the best of our abilities, is our way of living out the faith we have come to know in Yeshua. Among the three major Traditional Jewish Organizations, including Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Reformed Judaism, as well as mainstream Christianity, we can identify with each. And finally, to be a part of the Messianic Jewish movement, you don’t have to necessarily be Jewish. Many of our congregants are from the nations, but share a Ruth like calling. We are Houses of Prayer, Learning and Worship for all peoples. Rabbis Yosef Wentz and Betzalel Martin Beit Shifarot (Ever) Stronger!