FAQs

Is Sar Shalom a “Messianic Synagogue”?

Sar Shalom is a Jewish Synagogue open to all believers in the Jewish Messiah.

Is there a difference? Yes…

Messianic means “believing in the Messiah.” Synagogue means “assembly” or “learning together.” In today’s context, the term “messianic synagogue” (often interchangeable with Hebrew Roots church, or Hebraic Roots congregation) covers an extremely wide range of beliefs and expressions of faith and worship.

Most messianic synagogues proclaim faith in Yeshua (aka. Jesus) as the Jewish Messiah, uphold some Torah principles, and consider themselves “grafted in” to the covenant promises as G-d’s chosen people through faith in Messiah. However, this is where the identification, association, and inclusion with anything “Jewish” typically ends. Messianic synagogues do not uphold the bulk of normative Jewish teachings, writings and traditions, nor do they embrace the Oral Torah (Talmud, etc.) to any appreciable degree. Most do not even follow the most basic mitzvot; meaning scriptural commandments and principles such as wearing tzitzit, eating kosher, separating meat and dairy, head-coverings, honoring the Shabbat by not working or buying and selling, praying with tefillin, etc.

In simplest terms, “messianic synagogues” and “Hebrew roots” congregations may look “Jewish” one day a week, but do not fully embrace a Torah observant lifestyle. This is not a criticism, it’s simply an explanation. Sar Shalom Synagogue embraces a distinctly and thoroughly Jewish identity – in form and function – each and every day, from the inside out! (Albeit a tad more lively and joyous than most traditional synagogues.)

Is Sar Shalom only for Jewish believers?

Sar Shalom is for ALL believers in Messiah who are interested in a Torah observant Jewish lifestyle.

Now let’s unravel a few things… In saying “Jewish” most people think of ethnicity or familial lineage in addition to religious observance. However, those are not the only scriptural definitions of what it means to be “Jewish.”  As Sha’ul (Paul the Apostle) wrote in Romans 2,

In scripture, we find many “goyim” (people of the nations) who are brought into covenant relationship with G-d. Quite apart from Abraham, who himself “crossed over” becoming the first “Hebrew.” We also find many “non-Jews” in the Exodus (a mixed multitude, traditionally interpreted as meaning people from every tribe and nation) and even in the messianic line of King David with Ruth and Rahab. For all of these, just as it was with Abraham, we are brought into the covenants and promises through faith, as evidenced by our faithfulness! By definition in scripture, that makes us Hebrews…  Israelites… and Jewish!

To the specific question of Jewish ethnicity, Sar Shalom has both ethnically Jewish members and non-ethnically Jewish members who have become one people with one G-d: Am Echad. Adonai Echad.  We come from all walks of life, and our fellowship is open to anyone – regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or nationality – who shares our heart’s desire to praise, worship, learn, and grow in relationship with each other, in knowledge of Torah, in faith in Yeshua, and in love of HaShem!

What if I’m Jewish and my (wife, husband, parent, etc.) is Christian… or the other way around?

You are in luck – because Sar Shalom is one of the few places in the world where you will ALL feel comfortable attending!

So what kind of synagogue is Sar Shalom?

In a word: Unique!

Sar Shalom is fully committed to a Torah observant Jewish lifestyle as believers in Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah. But how can that be? Aren’t Judaism and Christianity fundamentally opposed? To a large degree they are today, but they were not originally.

Judaism is the fundamental faith system established by G-d for His set apart and special people, through His Word (Torah.) It is the context within which everything in scripture happens. As such, attempting to redefine Judaism (or Torah itself) by casting it in the mold of modern cultural Christianity is, ultimately, a futile effort because that is simply not G-d’s eternal design.

On the other hand, when you understand the scriptures and the Messiah from the correct Hebrew perspective, beginning with Torah and then walking into the gospels, epistles and prophecy, you will find everything begins to fall into place. Yes, some things are going to change with that perspective – and it will all be for the better as you come into full alignment with G-d’s eternal Word in scripture. So be encouraged! We are living proof that one can have a fully observant Jewish faith and lifestyle, filled with absolute joy and freedom, as disciples of both the written and the living Torah!

Are you Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Renewal, or ???

Apart from the question of faith in Messiah, Sar Shalom is “an observant Jewish synagogue.” We’ve intentionally chosen the word “observant” because we are different from other sects of Judaism; and yet we do embrace the vast majority of halachah found in normative Judaism, including Orthodoxy. In purely academic terms, Sar Shalom is nearer to Conservative Judaism than Orthodoxy on most points of halachah. In some ways we might be described as Modern Orthodox, and in other ways as Neo-Chassidic. Whichever label people prefer, the best way to find out who we are is simply to come join us! (For a detailed account of our observances, please refer to our Official Halacha.)

Jewish halacha is a voluminous subject, with many differing opinions and observances. Sar Shalom upholds the vast majority of Jewish (even Orthodox) halacha, though we differ on some key points including: playing music on Shabbat (which we do), driving to and from shul on Shabbat (which we do), accepting tithes & offerings on Shabbat (which we do.) We also differ on the definition and process of Jewish conversion.

Music with instrumentation was ordained by G-d for worship and is found throughout the TaNaK, especially in regard to Shabbas. While it is true we have no temple (may it be rebuilt soon, even in our days – Amen) we hold to a higher mitzvah that we are to rejoice on Shabbas, and we are not to morn. Thus we include a joyous time of musical worship, employing acoustic instruments, during our Sabbath service. Rabbi has written a comprehensive response to this question, click here to read it.

The matter of driving to shul is one of necessity. Ideally, we would love to exist within an eruv where all our core members live and walk to shul each Shabbat. Practically speaking, our community (the north texas region of Dallas and Fort Worth) is very large and synagogue options are extremely limited – especially for those who proclaim faith in the Jewish Messiah. So while we would prefer not to “kindle a flame” in regard to internal combustion engines, we have chosen to honor the higher mitzvah of gathering on the Sabbath day that Torah may be proclaimed as a light to the nations. We also have afternoon events at the shul (Classes, Mincha / Ma’ariv Prayer, Bitul Torah, and occasionally Havdalah, etc.) for those who wish to minimize driving on the Sabbath.

One of the most important ways in which we honor G-d in our lives is in tithes and offerings, and at Sar Shalom we do accept tithes and offerings on the Sabbath. This is also a matter of practicality (like driving) and we do make provision for giving online and at other weekly events at the shul so that anyone who prefers to avoid handling money on the Sabbath can certainly do so. On the other hand, we do not consider the bringing of tithes and offerings to be a “financial exchange” as there is no product or service involved. Additionally, we do not count any money on Shabbas, nor do we travel to make a bank deposit. Our collections are simply retrieved and stored in a vault, for counting and deposit during the week.

The final matter of halachic variance is that of “conversion.” Sar Shalom considers the process of formal conversion to Judaism a matter of personal determination and identification, and not necessarily an indication of one’s salvation. As it was with Avraham Avinu (Father Abraham) so may it be with us: by faith we are brought into the covenants, and from that faith (things hoped for) comes faithfulness (the evidence of things unseen) by which we walk out the mitzvot as part of the family.

Sar Shalom does have a formal conversion process for those who wish to fully identify themselves as “Jewish” believers in Messiah. As a matter of full disclosure, our conversion is not recognized by any authoritative governing bodies within Judaism, including most synagogues and rabbis in existence today. Therefore, one must understand that “conversion” is a personal decision and determination to make the same choice Ruth did thousands of years ago: “Your people will be my people, and your G-d will be my G-d.” If you truly desire to fully identify yourself with the Jewish people through formal conversion, regardless of “official” Jewish recognition, please contact the Rabbi.

Judaism has a rich and beautiful history of traditional observances. Virtually every sect, synagogue, and Jewish individual walks out their faith in a slightly different way. So while there are many commonalities in “halachah” (the way in which we walk) it would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to codify a single set of universally accepted Jewish beliefs, authorities, and observances.

Does this mean some have it right, and others have it wrong? As a Jewish rabbi once responded, “The answer to that question is: yes… no… maybe… sometimes… and it depends!” We are all on a path, and we all have a place to belong. Sar Shalom is simply one of those places. It is the right place for some, but not for others. That’s okay; and that’s why we strive to provide as much information as possible on our website. We want to help YOU make the right decision for you and your family.

In strictly technical terms, Sar Shalom Synagogue does have other points of difference from normative Jewish halachah, but these are often the main points. However, in full alignment with Jewish halachah, there must ultimately be a decision maker for the congregation, and for that Rabbi Mordecai Griffin is the final authority on all halachic questions. If you have a question or concern about our halachah, please contact the Rabbi.

Do you believe in salvation through faith in Christ?

Absolutely. There is one Torah, which IS the Gospel – and there always will be!

Throughout Torah we see Mashiach! For us, as it was for Avraham so long ago, salvation comes through faith alone. Where Avraham looked forward to Mashiach’s day and was glad, we look back to it and are glad. We also understand the true, original and scriptural meaning of “faith” as two sides of one coin: faith (belief) and faithfulness (actions.) Thus we obey the entire Word of G-d (Torah) as completely and accurately as we can, including the honoring of Shabbat on the seventh day of the week, celebrating all of the festivals (“mo’edim” or appointed times) specified by G-d in scripture, observing the Biblical dietary laws, and many other joyous aspects of walking a Torah obedient and observant Jewish lifestyle.  We do these things not to earn salvation, but with a heart of gratitude flowing from our salvation because we have been “created in Messiah Yeshua for good works (following Torah) which G-d prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

Sar Shalom believes in and boldly proclaims the Messiah of Israel, who’s name is typically pronounced “Jesus” in English. Unfortunately, the word “Jesus” is relatively new (having entered the vernacular around the 15th century) and as a transliteration actually has no direct meaning in scripture. However, when one considers the etymology of our Messiah’s true name, a very different and beautiful picture emerges.

The name “Jesus” is an anglicized (English derivative) form of the Latin word “Iesus”, which is a transliteration of the Greek word Ἰησοῦς (Iesous). The Greek form is a rendition of the common Aramaic ישוע‎ (Yeshua), which comes from the Hebrew יהושע‎ (Yehoshua). The original Hebrew word means “YHVH SAVES!”  and in shortened form (“Yeshua”) means “to rescue, to deliver.” Consider the verse below from the Orthodox Jewish Bible, which renders the passage much more as it would have occurred at the time:

Scripture is clear that our Messiah was actually named “G-d Saves!” and in the common shortened form “Yeshua” means “salvation.” So Messiah Yeshua IS our salvation, thus we place our faith in Him and none other. But what does “salvation” actually mean?

Sar Shalom accepts “salvation” to mean this: The penalty of sin (death) has been paid in full by Messiah – who literally IS our “salvation” – and by His shed blood as the perfect atoning sacrifice, our right-standing in covenant relationship with the Father has been restored; meaning we can now enter into His Holy presence and abide with him eternally. However, the scriptures also instruct us to “be holy even as He is holy” and remind us that “faith without works is dead.”  Thus we walk obediently to G-d’s commanded ways, and joyously embrace the rich Hebraic heritage of the Jewish faith, as we continuing growing in grace, knowledge, and truth every day. So Halleluyah – we praise the name Yeshua!

Is Sar Shalom “under the law”?

Not at all – but then again, we have never been “under the law”…

This is a very common question, and you’ll be pleased to know we are absolutely covered by the grace of G-d through the shed blood of the Mashiach – the lamb slain from before the foundations of the world! And yet, the question itself indicates some degree of misinformation regarding what “the law” truly is (also mistakenly referred to as the “old testament.”) If you’re not quite clear on the difference between the “law,” the “old testament,” and the “Torah” then we encourage you to read the next topic (below) and make arrangements to attend our next Hatchala (beginnings) class which covers this topic (among others) in beautiful detail. Also, we highly recommend reading rabbi’s drash on The Law of Sin and Death. For now please be assured, the Torah is most definitely NOT something to be freed from – for it is the “perfect law that brings freedom” and the very DNA of Messiah and all creation!

A related question might include our adherence to traditional Jewish interpretations and applications of Torah principles. To this we respectfully respond, “don’t knock it ’till you’ve tried it.” :-) The Jewish people have been keeping and teaching Torah for well over 4000 years, and guarding their charge often to the point of destruction and death. If we set aside the matters of the Jews “rejecting Jesus” and modern cultural differences – for just a few moments, and focus solely on scripture – its reasonable to conclude that through these millennia, the Jews have discovered and vetted a great deal of information and application regarding lives of true faith and faithfulness before G-d according to His Holy Word.

Unfortunately, due to cultural differences and misconceptions about the Jews rejection of Christ, these immensely valuable lessons have been missed, ignored, or rejected by virtually everyone outside of the Jewish faith. But no longer! Given the state and trajectory of our culture, perhaps it is time for all who proclaim faith in Christ to move beyond personal ego, religious subjectivity, and false teachings ABOUT the Torah, and begin walking out personal faith as uprightly and tangibly as possible IN obedience to Torah; just as the Jews have been striving to do correctly, consistently, and completely for a very long time. Each member of Sar Shalom has personally stood at this crossroad, and to a person chosen the ancient paths. We invite you to join us.

But if you’re “saved” then why follow the Torah?

In the simplest of terms: We do not keep Torah to BE saved, we keep Torah because we ARE saved and wish to follow the instructions of our loving Abba and Messiah as best we can!

Following G-d’s eternal Word is not a matter of obligation and oppression, it’s a matter of obedience and opportunity. The question is not, “How can we work our way to salvation?” The question is “How can we live most joyously each day as a child of G-d and disciple of Yeshua, and walk in G-d’s promised blessings?” The answer is amazingly simple: follow the Torah! (If you’re still puzzled, click the box below for a little help from the scriptures.)

But I found this website that says…

As discussed previously, the phrases “messianic Judaism” and “Hebrew roots” cover a broad continuum of beliefs, rationales, and observances (most of which are, unfortunately, quite far away from Judaism or the Hebraic roots of Christianity.) This explains why one “messianic synagogue” can be so different from another, and why there are so many websites relating to “messianic” and “Hebrew roots” topics. Within this continuum, and on the myriad of Google search results, one will find a few good points, and many problematic ones. There are three messianic movements (one might say “doctrines”) in particular that Sar Shalom categorically rejects: sacred name, alternative calendar, and sola scriptura. We consider each of these to be fundamentally wrong, clearly anti-scriptural, and inherently anti-Semitic.

“Sacred Name” proponents insist that one must use the “true, secret, and ancient” name of G-d when speaking, praying or conversing; and by not doing so, one commits a heinous sin. Unfortunately, the various groups within this movement also claim their particular version of the name (spelling, pronunciation, etc.) is the “right” one, and no other version is acceptable. So who’s right and who’s wrong? Houston, we have a problem! (In point of fact, the actual pronunciation of G-d’s name was lost a very long time ago, and will probably not be restored until the coming Messianic age.) Furthermore, the very premise itself is diametrically opposed to Judaism which, while recognizing G-d’s name is certainly holy (in fact He has many “sacred” names), accepts the commandment in Torah that teaches us to “guard” the name so that it always remains absolutely holy and sacred. For this reason, Sar Shalom holds to traditional Judaism by most often referring to, and calling upon, G-d as “HaShem” (the name). As appropriate, you will also hear us use scriptural titles for G-d such as Elohim and Adonai; and Hebrew expressions such as HaKadosh Barechu (the holy one, blessed is He.) On very rare and special occasions, we will pronounce a portion of the divine name as a part of a berakhah (blessing) in accordance with scriptural and Jewish norms (but not as a declaration that such pronunciation is the ineffable “sacred name” of G-d.)

“Alternative calendar” adherents insist the traditional Hebrew calendar is flawed; but as with the sacred name movement, these groups cannot agree upon which calendar is right. As an example, followers of the alternative calendar claim the Jewish faith is wrong in “counting of the omer” meaning the days between Pesach (Passover) and Shavu’ot (known as Pentecost in the Christian faith); even though their own proposed calendar cannot meet the very scriptural requirements they consider to be proofs that the Hebrew calendar is in error. Alternative calendar stands in direct opposition to  thousands of years of Jewish precedent and clear historical fact and is little more than another ruse for anti-Semitism. As an observant Jewish synagogue, Sar Shalom steadfastly defends and follows the traditional Hebrew calendar. If you are interested in the specific explanations of why we hold to the Hebrew calendar, please read the “Counting the Omer” section of our Official Halachah.

Finally, we come to “sola scriptura” – another concept that sounds great on paper, but is absolutely impossible to follow in real life. Sola scriptura means “scripture alone” and its supporters believe that introducing anything into one’s walk of faith, beyond the actual words on the page of scripture, is tantamount to sin. What they disagree with, they condemn as “traditions of men.” What they agree with, they defend regardless of scripture or historical fact. For instance, some “sola scriptura” proponents decry the lighting of candles to usher in the Sabbath, insisting such activity is not a “commandment” found in scripture. Yet, the same people have absolutely no problem serving un-kosher food – even pork or shellfish – for their sabbath meals because it is “so inconvenient and expensive to buy kosher” and “G-d knows our heart anyway.” In truth, sola scriptura is yet another cheat of the enemy intended to hide his ancient agenda of anti-Semitism.

While the Internet can be an amazing and wonderful resource, it also has a very dark side – especially when it comes to matters of faith (or the lack thereof.) We strongly recommend taking the greatest possible caution when “browsing the web” for information on topics relating to messianic Judaism. Whenever possible, look first to reliable well vetted sources (such as those recommended here on our website) and published books. It’s easy to put up a website that looks good and sounds logical. Actually publishing a book on a topic requires a much more determined and qualified effort. This isn’t to say all books are reliable, because they are not. And if that’s true, one must be exponentially more cautious with websites!

So what about all the other Jewish stuff, isn’t that legalism?

Legalism is trying to follow man-made rules in order to keep or earn salvation.

Judaism is drawing as close to G-d as possible, in loving obedience to the spirit and letter of His Word.

It has been said, “You cannot think your way into a right way of acting, but you can act your way into a right way of thinking.” One should never weigh the merits of an observant Jewish lifestyle using the scales of modern cultural Christianity. Where Christians (typically) see empty works that lead to restriction and regulation, observant Jews see opportunities to purposely set aside “worldliness” and bring every evil inclination (yetzer hara, the self, the flesh) into submission to G-d through the power of His Torah and guidance of the Ruach HaKodesh (holy spirit.) As you can see, the entire paradigm of HOW one lives out a Jewish faith is completely different from (most of) Christianity. Therefore, the only way to truly understand and evaluate the Jewish walk of faith, the mitzvot (commandments) of G-d, and the Jewish halacha (practical daily applications and observances) is to step onto the path and personally experience the walk for yourself.

Does Sar Shalom keep the “Levitical food laws”?

Yes indeed. The whole “follow your stomach” thing did enough damage long ago.

To be fair, “Levitical food laws” is an academic distinction created entirely by man. G-d is the same yesterday, today, and forever.; thus His word is His word; relevant, eternal, unchanging, and complete. The same G-d who said “don’t murder” and “honor the Shabbat” also said “don’t eat pork and shellfish.” So, as you should be picking up by now, we follow Torah – and that includes eating Kosher! Members of Sar Shalom choose to eat biblically kosher to the best of their abilities, according to G-d’s instructions in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, and follow the extended principles of Kashrut in accordance with normative Judaism including separation of meat and dairy.

But wait, “Jesus declared all foods clean!” Actually, not so much. That is a parenthetical comment added to the end of Mark 7:19 in some versions of the gospel, and not found in the oldest reliable manuscripts. But even allowing for the statement, there is a big difference between “all foods are clean” and “all things are food.” (Think about that for a minute.) That entire scriptural account, as well as Peter’s “vision of the sheet” in Acts, is completely misunderstood when separated from it’s proper understanding in light of Torah, Messiah, and Judaism. If you’d like to know more about this particular teaching, we encourage you to attend our Hatchala class. For now suffice to say that we are 10,001% confident our Messiah ate strictly Kosher, and in fact kept all of the “traditions of the Jews” from the day he was born. In following His example, we do too!

One final note on food: Remember the fall of man happened because of disobedience over G-d’s instruction about food. May we encourage you to not repeat the same mistake. Take G-d at His Word, and don’t let your stomach be your god. Eat Kosher.

Who should wear head coverings at Sar Shalom, and what types are acceptable?

At Sar Shalom, most men wear kippahs or hats, and most woman wear hats or wrap their hair in the traditional tichel (teh-kel). Guests are encouraged to wear head coverings, but certainly not required to do so.

While there is no explicit scriptural commandment to wear a head covering, these ancient expressions of one’s Jewish faith absolutely do have a solid basis in scripture and Jewish tradition. In specific regard to head coverings, members of Sar Shalom always cover their heads when reciting the Shema, and when reading scripture each week, as an act of obedience and reverence.

Interesting. Can you give me more details to work with?

Technically speaking, any hat may serve as a “head covering” for men or women – and you will see many variations of head covering at Sar Shalom. In keeping with the sanctity and decorum of Shabbat services in our synagogue, men are encouraged to wear a kippah, yarmulke, bukhari, or other traditional style of hat (fedora, cabbie, flat cap, etc.) And of course, since we’re in Texas, black felt cowboy hats are also welcome. We respectfully request men (and woman) not wear baseball caps to Shabbat services.

Throughout scripture, HaShem makes many distinctions – one of which is a clear distinction between male and female. The Kippah is specifically associated with the attire of observant Jewish men. Likewise, women who choose to cover their heads should choose a distinctly feminine solution – be it the tichel or a more traditional woman’s hat. We respectfully request women not wear excessively large or complex hats. Again, our goal is reverent focus on G-d, not giving attention to each other.

What is a Kippa and Tallit?

The Kippah (yarmulke, etc.) is a small, round head covering.

The Tallit is a fabric wrapping (basically a prayer shawl) worn about the head and shoulders, with Tzitzit on the corners.

Both of these are worn by observant Jewish men, usually at all times, but especially on Shabbat.

Guests are welcome to wear these during service, but are not expected to.

While there is no explicit commandment to wear a Kippa or Tallit, these ancient expressions of one’s Jewish faith absolutely do have a solid basis in scripture and Jewish tradition. Throughout the bible we find people covering their head when praying or in the presence of HaShem, and many other verses about being wrapped in a garment. King David even describes G-d this way,

There are many styles and variations of Kippah (head covering) and Tallit (prayer shawl) and most men at Sar Shalom do wear these. However, guests are free to wear them or not. Regular attenders are encouraged to understand the purpose of these adornments, and include them as part of an observant Jewish lifestyle.

What are Tzitzit?

Tzitzit are tassles (knotted strings) with a thread of techellit (blue).

In scripture, G-d specifically commands his chosen people to wear Tzitzit as an eternal observance…

Yeshua wore Tzitzit

In the gospel accounts we read about the woman with the issue of blood, who “touched the hem of His garment.”

The Greek word used for “hem” is “krespedon” and in context of the time (which is the first and most important way to consider scripture) is most accurately translated, “fringes” or “tassles.” In fact, the entire scriptural account in Luke 8:40-56 is a fascinating study, and another example of Messiah’s perfect Torah observance. It’s also one of the strongest proofs that Yeshua was NOT rejected by all the religious Jews, but was actually accepted and worship as the Messiah by many of the most important Jewish leaders at the time!

The scripture is clear and Messiah’s example is clear: Tzitzit are worn by everyone who professes faith in the G-d of Abraham, Issac and Jacob – without exception.

If you would like to know more about tzitzit and purchasing tzitzit for yourself, please ask anyone in senior leadership for additional information.

Can women wear the Tallit and Tzitzit at Sar Shalom?

Yes. Though recognizing the Biblical distinction between the roles of men and women, Sar Shalom fully affirms the spiritual power, authority and gifts which women possess and that no gender distinctions are made in scripture regarding these items.

Doesn’t the Bible teach us that we should not regard the “old covenant” any longer? Is this Judaizing?

Judaizers were a sect of Messianic Jews during the first century who taught that Gentiles (non-Jews) who proclaimed faith in Yeshua were still required to follow the Torah, and all the religious teachings and customs, to the letter in every way, in order to be “saved” – which means to be considered full members of G-d’s covenant with His chosen people. Acts 15 indicates this is not required, and that decision was based upon G-d’s acceptance of Gentiles in Acts 10 through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who proclaimed faith in Yeshua.

We agree with the Acts 15 decision and stand against any legalistic attempt that would make “works” a requirement for salvation, whether Jewish works or any other. On the other hand, while Acts 15 indicates Gentiles are not required to fully embrace a Jewish expression of life and worship for their salvation, it most certainly does not forbid them from doing so. In fact, all throughout scripture we find goyim (people from the outside nations) eagerly entering into the “Jewish faith” – including two women in the very bloodline of King David and the Messiah! (Can you name them?)

G-d clearly had many purposes for creating eternal instructions for His people, and Sar Shalom believes following His commandments is clearly beneficial to everyday faith as one of G-d’s set apart and special people. Remember, “you don’t have to” should never be interpreted as “you should not.” It’s about obedience, not obligation; so we live in obedience to the “perfect law that brings freedom” – which is the Torah – through our living and growing faith in Messiah.

What are the “Feasts of the L-rd?”

There are eight feasts listed in scripture (10 if separating out the combined ones) specifically in Leviticus 23 and again in other places. They include Shabbat (or Sabbath, celebrated on the seventh day of each week), Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost /Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah / Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles.  All of these feast were celebrated by the Jews before Messiah, by Yeshua himself, by the Disciples, and by the early “church” for several centuries after Messiah’s resurrection.

Historically, the church began to abandon celebration of the scriptural festivals after 325 A.D. due in large part to the anti-Semitic, anti-Torah teachings of dispensationalism and replacement theology, and the adaptation of pagan festivals by early church leaders in Europe. It is incredibly unfortunate that for nearly 2000 years  the rich blessings of these G-d ordained celebrations and remembrances have been stolen from those who proclaim faith in the Jewish Messiah – i.e. Christians – but no longer.  The Moedim (i.e. biblical feasts / festivals) provide a beautiful reflection of G-d’s eternal plan for mankind, which is precisely why He said to observe them throughout “all generations.” And that’s precisely what we do!

This is all so fascinating! Where can I learn more?

The best place of all is to come visit us! Until then, you can learn more about Sar Shalom on the “Our Beliefs” page.