What to Expect

If you decide to visit we hope that you will find our synagogue to be warm, welcoming, and your experience worshipful. Perhaps these questions and answers will help you to know what to expect.

What are your Saturday services like?

At 9:30 AM, you can join us to daven (pray) Shacharit. Shacharit is the traditional morning prayer service found in the Siddur (Jewish prayer book). Most of the prayers are in Hebrew (we do provide translations and transliterations). Our Shacharit service on Shabbat mornings pauses after the Amidah.

(The 10:45 AM Family Service is ideal for first-time guests.)

At 10:45 AM, we begin our Family Service which includes music, a few prayers in Hebrew and English, reading from the Torah scroll, and the Rabbi’s D’rash (comments on the weekly Torah portion). Our Family service concludes with traditional Musaf prayers.

At 12:15 PM, we commence the Study Hour for adults and parallel classes for youth and children of elementary age. The Teaching Hour is usually a time of interactive topical study.

At 01:00 PM, we recite Kiddush (blessing over the wine and challah) and share an Oneg (lunch) together. Everyone is invited. We conclude mealtime with Grace after Meals (birkhat hamazon) in which we thank God for the food He has blessed us with.

At 2:30 PM, we gather for Mincha (afternoon liturgical prayers) after which we hold (sometimes informal, sometimes organized) discussions on various topics rated to sacred texts, Jewish life, halakha, midrash, family, and etc.

Is there a special dress code?

We don’t have a strictly defined dress code, but business casual is how most people dress for services. Sabbat is a time of rest, but it is also a celebration. We discourage athletic clothing. Whatever you choose to wear, please make sure it reflects modesty. Kippot (head coverings) for men are appropriate inside and are always available in the synagogue foyer. Please help yourself.

Do I have to be Jewish to visit?

No. Though we are a Jewish congregation, we are a diverse community, and our doors are open to anyone who wishes to worship alongside Israel. We have many non-Jewish visitors.

Can I visit during the holidays?

Holidays is a great time to visit! The services may feature special seasonal rituals and often run a little longer than usual. 

Would it be alright to bring a group for a visit?

We welcome groups to visit Tikvat David to experience Messianic Judaism. If you are bringing a group of 8 or more people, please use the contact form to let us know at least 3 days in advance, so we can make sure you can sit together.

Is your Synagogue part of a larger group within Messianic Judaism?

Yes, Tikvat David is an active member of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC). For more info on the UMJC, visit www.umjc.org

What is your Synagogue's statement of faith?

Our statement of faith follows the beliefs expressed by the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. It can be found at http://www.umjc.org/statement-of-faith/

Can someone from the Synagogue come and speak about Messianic Judaism to our group?

Yes, we would be happy to discuss a speaking opportunity with your group. Please use the contact form and reach out to us with details.

I have some questions about Messianic Judaism. Is there someone I can talk to?

We love questions! The best thing to do is to visit us on a Shabbat. There are always plenty of people to talk to. You can also use the contact form on this website and we will get back to you.

Shabbat Service

The following is a 10-minute video that walks you through the highlights of our Saturday Family Service. One of the easiest ways to know what to expect is to take a look for yourself.

Play Video