“A talmid is not above his rabbi; but each one, when he is fully trained, he will be like his rabbi”
Our FocusThe Apostolic Writings, which consists of the Gospels, The Book of Acts and The Epistles of the Talmidim (Disciples) in the context of the Judaism from the time of Yeshua (Jesus) and the Talmidim. These are the foundations of Messianic Judaism.
Our Vision and Goals
To establish an environment of learning that will equip Believers in G-d from all religious affiliations, to deepen their understanding of the Apostolic Writings and Messianic Judaism, and enable them to make a choice about embracing a Torah centered lifestyle, to whichever level they are able.
To uncover a deeper understanding of the relevance of the covenant of Avraham to all Believers, whether of Jewish or Gentile origin, but in particular the Gentile Believers, based on Rav Shaul’s (Apostle Paul’s) teachings on being grafted in and being children of Avraham.
Who can attend
All those serious about learning the Word of G-d in its original framework of Judaism.
While Derech HaMashiach was established to facilitate learning about Messianic Judaism, it is understood that not everyone will take on this Torah centred lifestyle, and we will continue to welcome those that wish to join us for only a short season to learn more of G-d’s Word.
However, it is also anticipated that some will choose to live this Torah centred lifestyle, and may choose to join the fellowship that will inevitably develop out of the House of Learning.
Whichever way you choose, to join our fellowship or stay in your own, you will be welcome at Derech HaMashiach, A House of Messianic Learning.
Cost
We do not charge a fee for these courses, but would expect a gold coin donation for the handouts and refreshments provided in the break. Other learning material can be purchased at cost price.
*Taken from the Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern. Copyright © 1998. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Messianic Jewish Publishers, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029. www.messianicjewish.net.
Instructor
Ralf holds an Advanced Diploma in Christian Studies, has lectured at Bible College, worked with mission organization, in prisons and been in leadership with various Christian denominations for over 20 years. He is currently a talmid (disciple) of Rabbi Shapira in Yeshivat Shuvu, and fully accountable to the Jewish Messianic Rabbi.
Courses (Entry Level)
The Kosher Pastor
Pastor and Rabbi team up to teach Christians about the Jewishness of Jesus.
Sample Link: https://youtu.be/PWJt4kbd1pA
Course outline: https://kosherpastor.yeshiva.shuvu.tv/index
The Way of Life
A study of the Didache, also known as “The teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles (or Nations) by the twelve apostles”
The Didache is a manual to aid Gentile believers in Messiah in making correct choices on the path of discipleship—our journey through life.
Courses (Intermediate Level)
HaYesod
Discipleship courses that respectfully explore the Jewish foundation of Christianity, and your connection to the Land, the People and Scriptures of Israel, the Sabbath and the Festivals.
Elementary Principles
A study on Hebrews 6:1–2 “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Messiah and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Courses (Advanced Level)
The Return of the Kosher Pig
Far from a study of kosher dietary laws, this series is an unprecedented journey toward the true identity of the Divine Messiah the one previously considered unkosher and unacceptable by Jewish people. This encyclopedic volume will surprise and challenge you with the compelling words of Jewish sages and rabbis over the last 2,000 years, many in English for the first time.
Courses (College Level)
Yeshivat Shuvu
This is an authentic international Messianic Jewish Yeshiva, building the Kingdom one Talmid at a time. Learn straight from the words of the sages of Israel about the Jewish Messiah.
Check out the curriculum: http://shuvu.tv.
Resource Recommendation
Yeshivat Shuvu - For those who are ready to be discipled by a Messianic Jewish Rabbi
Yeshivat Shuvu is a yeshiva - a Jewish institution that focuses on the study of traditional religious texts, primarily the Talmud and the Torah. For Yeshivat Shuvu, the Torah includes the whole Bible, Tanak and Apostolic Writings.
If you are ready to commit a few years, not just to studying, but being discipled by a true Messianic Jewish Rabbi, who isn't swayed by what Orthodox Judaism or Christianity say or think about the Way of Messiah, then you are ready for Yeshivat Shuvu.
At the heart of our Yeshiva is relationship/community, transparency, consistency and accountability, all in the Name of Yeshua. We are not in the yeshiva for a certificate, but to live what we learn and apply this to our community and the greater Body of Messiah.
At Derech HaMashiach, we include as much teaching from the Yeshiva as possible, and applicable, into our teaching, so that we can all benefit from this great ministry. But if you want and need more, we highly recommend you join up for yourself.
Ahavat Ammi - For those who are seeking answers to questions about Messianic Judaism
Rabbi Shapira has produced a wealth of free and low cost teaching material about Yeshua the Jewish Messiah and how He is relevant and essential for the Jewish people to be saved, in the framework of Messianic Judaism, not Christianity.
There are so many excellent free teaching videos on all sorts of topics, free weekly Torah teachings, books and videos to purchase, and ways in which you can support this important work into the future.
We highly recommend the book titled "The Return of the Kosher Pig". By two copies, one for yourself and one to give away to your Jewish friend. They need to hear this message just as much as us Gentiles Believers who are Grafted into the Commonwealth of Israel.
First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ) - For those just starting to learn about the roots of their Christian Faith
FFOZ is a publishing ministry with brilliant Biblical scholars who have impacted the direction of Messianic Judaism. The material they produce is excellent in both content and quality. It is highly recommended for Christians who are interested in learning the differences and commonalities between Christianity and Messianic Judaism. Their material provides a great bridge across the apparent divide between the two.
Derech HaMashiach, House of Messianic Learning will be using a selection of their materials during the study times. We will also be running their HaYesod foundations course on a regular basis for those interested in make steps to cross that divide. Please see our events calendar for course dates.
FFOZ Resource Disclaimer:
While Derech HaMashiach uses and recommends FFOZ resources, we do not support or endorse their theological position on the limitation they place on non-Jewish Believers in Yeshua wanting to follow the Mitzvot of Torah. Derech HaMashiach comes under the guidance of 2 Jewish Rabbis, who have accepted Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah, and while they do not enforce these Mitzvot on non-Jewish Believers, their position is if a Gentile Believer wishes to go over and above their obligation and submit themselves to the discipleship of the Jewish Rabbi, Yeshua HaMashiach, they can do so on the premise that they carry out the Mitzvah properly and to the best of their ability. These Rabbis recognise that a non-Jew by birth or culture can have a Jewish identity and be grafted into the Commonwealth of Israel, without conversion to becoming Jewish.
Bibles
There are several good translations available where the translators have gone back to the Hebrew words and translated the best meaning of the words into the English languages. However, if you can read Hebrew, you cannot substitute the depth you will find using a Hebrew Bible. That would be the recommended goal of all Believers.
However, until you reach that goal, here are some good English translations:
This translation has the Hebrew and English in parallel. To help give the Hebrew flavor, a number of words and names are in Hebrew, and there is a glossary to help us to learn what the words mean.
Don't be fooled by the name, it also has the Apostolic Writings and has been authored by Messianic Jews. It is a bit more complicated than the Delitzsch, and does not have the Hebrew writing in parallel, but would be recommended for those that are series about learning the Hebrew words, as this Bible uses many more Hebrew words in its translation, with meanings and definitions of course.
The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
This is a good introductory Bible for Learning some of the Hebrew terms, and one of the great features is that it has the daily Parsha Readings identified in the Torah, and provides the Haftarah and Gospel Readings as well, which is very useful for daily devotional reading.
Prayer Siddur (Book)
While there are a few Messianic Prayer Siddurs available, they deviate quiet a bit from the traditional Jewish Prayer Siddur, and they reword, add or even leave stuff out, just to try and be different from Judaism or emphasize belief in Yeshua. Others try to include their own theology, for example the use of the Sacred Name.
At Derech HaMashiach, we believe in and prefer to stay with the 2500 year old traditional prayers, of course including relevant prayers from Yeshua and His Talmidim. A good introduction to Messianic Prayer for Gentile Believers grafted into the Commonwealth of Israel, is "First Steps in Messianic Jewish Prayer", by Vine of David (a FFOZ resource), which can be purchased here.
A traditional Jewish Prayer Siddur can be a little overwhelming, but The Koren Sacks Siddur is well laid out and easy to use as the next level. It is not Messianic, but we include some of the prayers from "First Steps in Messianic Jewish Prayer" in the liturgy to stay true to Yeshua. This Siddur can be purchased here.
Shabbat Siddur
While The Koren Sacks Siddur does include the Shabbat prayers, FFOZ have compiled a Messianic version which stays true to the Jewish prayers, but is filled with prayers from Yeshua and the early Talmidim. There are two version, both have the Hebrew in parallel, the blue has the Hebrew letters, while the brown has the transliterated Hebrew, for those that want to practice pronouncing some of the prayers in Hebrew. Thy can be purchased here.
Music
Here are just a few great artist; Jewish, Messianic Jews and Christian, but they are all worhipping the One true G-d:
Zusha Miqedem Joshua Aaron Yonina Nissim
Nissim and Gad Elbaz King of Kings Community Worship Team 8th Day
Micha'el Ben David