Halacha - How we walk
These are the agreed-upon practices for our community meetings and how we observe our faith. We respectfully ask that while you are visiting/interacting with our community that you abide by our halacha and not teach doctrines that are in opposition to these things. All are welcome to fellowship with us, as long as you can respect our community guidelines.
One Law: We hold that there is One Law, which is the Torah (the teaching of G-d) and it is applicable to all regardless of their ethnicity (Jew or Gentile), gender, or social status. We believe the Scriptures (both Tanach and Apostolic Scriptures) are clear in stating that the people of G-d are one people, G-d’s love is the same for each member of His family and our proper response to His love is to obey His commandments.
We follow Biblical Feast days and the Annual Torah reading cycle in accordance with the mainstream Jewish calendar as codified by Rabbi Hillel II in 359 CE. We hold to observance of weekly Shabbats and Feast days from evening to evening. We guard against self-proclaimed authority over Moedim (Holy Festivals) and “Lunar Sabbath” theology.
Biblically Kosher food at all community activities – for all Oneg (potlucks) please refrain from bringing any food with pork, shellfish, gelatin, or other unclean animals as detailed in Leviticus 11. If in doubt, please ask a member of the leadership team.
Child protection: Talmidei Yeshua is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for every child and youth in our fellowship. We have a duty to report any credible suspicions of abuse and/or neglect to relevant authorities. All members of our leadership team and anyone working with children must pass a criminal background check.
Modesty – we request modest clothing for all community gatherings. Please refrain from short skirts, short shorts, low-cut shirts, or other revealing outfits. We think of community time as a time to appear collectively before G-d and ask that you dress appropriately.
Sacred Name (Yod Heh Vav Heh)- any pronunciation of this Name is not used in our community out of respect and to prevent divisiveness. We use Adonai (Hebrew for My Lord), Elohim, HaShem (Hebrew for “The Name”), Abba, Yah, or the English words G-d or Lord. We respectfully ask that you not use any pronunciation of the Sacred Name during our community meetings – including during Torah reading times (if your Bible contains this Name, please substitute one of the titles that we use as stated above).
Marriage - We believe that G-d created marriage to be between one man and one woman.
What we are not/Doctrines we do not support.
We respectfully ask that these topics are not brought into conversation during community meetings:
Different Law for Jew and Gentile
Sacred Name – any teaching that says that G-d’s sacred name (Yod Hey Vav Hey) needs to be pronounced a certain way in order to approach the Father or to have your prayers heard.
Lunar Sabbath – any teaching that says that the Sabbath should be calculated by the new moon instead of the seventh day Sabbath.
Two House – Ephraimite – a movement that says that all non-Jewish believers in Messiah must be the physical descendants of the lost 10 Northern tribes of Israel.
Polygamy
Flat Earth Doctrines
What to Expect:
A typical service on Shabbat has several elements:
Songs – many songs have a corresponding Davidic Dance where anyone who knows (or is willing to learn) the dance which will be in a circle in the defined area.
Liturgical Prayers (done first in Hebrew and then in English)
Community Prayer
Prayer for our Children and/or Individuals requesting prayer
A message from an appointed person in our community who is studying in the Word
Community reading of the weekly Torah, Haftarah, and Apostolic Scriptures
Discussion of the Readings
Bread and Wine/Juice – We do blessings as a fellowship meal and in remembrance of Him. If wine is served there is an expectation of moderation
Oneg – Potluck meal and fellowship time
Cleaning up space