Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we meet on Saturday?
Saturday, or Shabbat, is the day of the corporate gathering set forth in the Torah (first five books of the Bible). We believe that God gave to us Shabbat as a continuing sign of His covenant promises (Gen. 2:1-2; Exo. 20:8-11; 31:12-17; 35:1-3) and His love for us. As we keep Shabbat, we remember that it is a reminder of the spiritual rest we have through Yeshua’s (Jesus’) work on our behalf, and a foreshadowing of the eternal rest we will enjoy in the world to come.
Shabbat begins Friday evening at sunset and ends Saturday at sunset. Traditionally, a special Friday evening meal marks the beginning of Shabbat (called “Erev Shabbat”) and a ceremony called Havdalah (Hebrew meaning “divide”) marks Shabbat’s end. Many of us at Kehilat T’nuvah have both Erev Shabbat and Havdalah in our homes and would welcome you to join us. These ceremonies were brought into the homes after the temple’s destruction so that the children could learn more about Shabbat.

What is a “Messianic” congregation?
Sometimes there is a significant amount of misunderstanding even among “Messianic” believers. Congregations or Synagogues who call themselves “Messianic” do so for a variety of reasons. The term “Messianic” is derived from the Hebrew word “Mashiach” from which we get the English word, “Messiah.” The related term “Messianic” was later applied to the 1st century movement of Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth. A number of Jewish and non-Jewish scholars have correctly labeled this 1st century movement “Messianic Judaism.” The Apostolic scriptures document the events of The Messiah coming to His people Israel as a servant and priest, laying down His life in death via crucifixion. Thus, He offered up Himself as a sacrifice, resulting in an atonement for the sins of His people and the sins of the whole world. It records His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God. Soon He will return to fulfill all the prophecies of the Tanakh (Torah, Prophets and Writings) concerning His kingship and kingdom. He will deliver Israel from all her enemies and exalt her above all the nations. Is it any wonder that Messiah’s name is Yeshua, Hebrew for Yahweh’s Salvation? Thus the term Messiah finds its meaning and fulfillment in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus The Messiah). This is why we call ourselves a Messianic congregation. As believers we have returned to our Jewish Messiah. He has grafted us into the Jewish olive tree (Romans 11) and made us partakers with Jewish believers in the rich root of the olive tree. The rich root being the commonwealth of Israel and the covenants of promise given to them by God Himself through the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Why do some men wear caps?
These caps, or Kippot (Kippah, singular—the Yiddish term is Yarmulkah) are a traditional mark of Judaism for males. Whether Jew or non-Jew, a kippah is required attire at all holy sites in Jerusalem (such as the Western Wall). At Kehilat T’nuvah, the kippah is optional, but any male who wishes to wear one, may. We wear them because they are symbols reminding us of our need for atonement and specifically that Yeshua is our only atonement. In addition, we wear them to maintain our connection with our Jewish brothers and to be identified with biblical forms of Judaism.
Some may question whether this contradicts the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11. If this passage is studied closely, however, it can be seen that Paul is concerned with how one wears his hair or covering. Paul’s point in this passage is that he wants men and women to be distinguished, and not to wear their hair or covering in a manner that would culturally convey some unwholesome aspect.

Why do some people wear prayer shawls?
The prayer shawl (tallit), with the fringes (tzit-tzit), is traditionally worn at all daily services, and reminds the worshiper that he or she is approaching the Most High God, Who is Himself wrapped in a cloud of glory (Ps. 104:1,2). It also allows the individual worshiper to concentrate by pulling the tallis over the head and thus blocking out distractions.
Any adult may wear a tallis at Kehilat T’nuvah. Children who have not gone through a Bat or Bar Mitzvah or who are below the age of 13 traditionally do not wear a tallis.

Some of the congregants wear fringes at their waist. What are these?
These are tzit-tzit, the fringes God commanded to be worn (Num. 15:37-41) as a constant reminder of our great redemption by His grace and mercy, and the commandments that He has given to us. The only details we are given in regard to the fringes is that there be a cord of blue, and that they are placed on the four edges, hems, or corners of your garments (Deut. 22:12). We believe in being creative and using a variety of colors and tying them in unique ways.

Why do some women wear head coverings?
Kehilat T’nuvah believe the scriptures point to women’s headcovering in 1 Corinthians 11. Paul teaches that there is a authoritative structure for submission: God>Yeshua (Jesus)>Man>Woman. By covering her head, a woman is showing her submission to God’s design of authority over her. All of us (men and women) are called to be in submission. A woman’s head covering is one outward symbol of her celebration of God’s design of creation.

Why do people use the name “Yahweh” (YHWH) for God?
We use this name because God revealed to us through Moses that this is His name forever. It is the way He desires to be addressed. It is His memorial name to each and every generation (Exo. 3:13-15). It is found 6000+ places in the sacred text. This name conveys the concept that God is forever and always present with us, His people. Theologically, speaking it simply but profoundly means “Faithful Presence.” Is it any wonder that He would want us to know His name?
We do not mandate that anyone use or pronounces this name, but neither do we forbid it. In fact, we welcome, encourage and celebrate the revelation and meaning of His name.

Why do we call Jesus “Yeshua”?
Yeshua is the Hebrew name of Jesus. Hebrew names have meanings that reveal the character/purposes and or significant events surrounding a person’s life. For instance, Yeshua means “salvation.” The angel told Miriam (Mary) to name her child “Yeshua” for He would save His people from their sins. The meaning of His name revealed His character, purpose, and mission in life. He was and forever will be Yahweh’s Salvation offered to all humanity!

Why are many Hebrew words used?
Hebrew words are rich in their meaning. By using and understanding some of the Hebrew words, we believe we get more revelation of what the text is really saying. You don’t have to speak Hebrew to become a part of our community, but it’s a blessing to speak some of the words the same way our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob spoke. (And to know that Yeshua spoke them, as well!)

Where can I find more details about what Kehilat T’nuvah believes?
Ask one of the Greeters for our Essential Statement of Faith fliers. Or, if you wish greater detail, one of the pastors would be happy to get you a Membership Information packet which includes our By-Laws, Articles of Membership and Tenets of Faith. These will give you a detailed description of who we are and what we believe.

What are Havurah Groups?
Havurah (friendship & fellowship) Groups are small groups which meet in the homes on a weekly basis throughout the city. We believe in community as was practiced in the time of the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament). Small groups keep us encouraged in our faith, hold us accountable to one another, and provide true fellowship where we can learn and be discipled from the Torah.
Acts 2:42 enjoins us to continue: “...steadfastly in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.” Many Havurah groups include all of the aspects of this verse. We believe that fellowship and breaking of bread is as important as teaching and prayer.
We also have several “Specialty” groups which we hope will serve your needs. Find a group that fits who you are and be blessed! Information about the groups are on the foyer table.

How do we know what part of the Torah to read each Shabbat?
The Torah (first five books of the Bible) has been divided into sections for reading on each Shabbat. In the time of Yeshua, the divisions were such that it took 3 years to completely read through the sections, one section each Shabbat. In the latter centuries the sections were redivided so that the cycle could be completed in one year. We use this one-year cycle at Kehilat T’nuvah. A list of the sections is available on the Hospitality Table in the foyer.

How are people chosen to read from the Torah?
It is a privilege to be “called to the Torah” to read from the weekly portion. A person must be on the Leadership Team or participating in our Leadership Training School to be called upon to read the Torah portion. Since being called to the Torah is coming “up front,” it is traditionally called an aliya, a “going up.”

Why do we avoid using the terms “Old Testament” and “New Testament”?
We avoid these terms because they often communicate ideas which we feel are in error. For instance, “old” usually means “worn out,” “out of date,” “used up,” and “new” often connotes “contemporary,” “fresh,” “unused,” or “up-to-date.” We believe that all of the Scriptures are profitable for our growth in Yeshua, and that the Scriptures written by the Apostles do not contradict the Scriptures written by Moses and the Prophets. Therefore, we often use the terms Yeshua employed: “The Torah, Prophets and Psalms” (or “Writings”) or the “Hebrew Scriptures” to denote what is usually called the “Old Testament.” The traditional abbreviation for “Torah, Prophets, and Writings” is Tanakh, taking the letter from each of the Hebrew terms Torah (Law), Nevim (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). We use the term “Apostolic Scriptures” to denote what is usually called the “New Testament.” Some people use the term “Brit Hadasha,” but this is actually just the Hebrew translation of “New Testament,” which we would prefer not to use.

Is Kehilat T’nuvah a synagogue or a church?
The term “synagogue” is used in the Apostolic scriptures (called the New Testament) in James 2:2 (although most modern translations substitute other terms, such as “assembly” or “meeting”) which simply means a “gathering” or “congregation.” The word ekklesia (usually translated “church”) was used by the early Messianic Jews to designate their meetings as part of the congregation of Israel. So referring to our congregation as a synagogue takes us back to our very roots. Many times we will simply use the term “congregation” to refer to our community. Ultimately, we recognize that Yeshua’s kehilat (congregation) consists of people, not buildings, and so as a congregation we constitute one visible manifestation of Yeshua’s body.

Is Kehilat T’nuvah associated with any larger denomination of churches or synagogues?
Kehilat T’nuvah does not have any official connection to other denominations or ministry groups. While we are a community committed to each other, we are always desirous of fellowship with those who confess Yeshua and desire to walk in His ways.

Do you use the title “Rabbi” in this congregation?
We do not use or encourage the use of “Rabbi” in this congregation for the same reason we do not use the titles, “Lord,” “Father,” or “Reverend” when referring to our under-shepherds. These terms have become highly exalted titles that we feel would be inappropriate, arrogant, and possibly deceptive for any of our people to use, or have bestowed upon them. We are not judging those outside our congregation who are using these titles, but we will not permit our leaders to use them when referring to themselves, especially if one does not have the proper training, credentials, and appropriate religious institutional ordination.
We train, license, and ordain people in various ministerial capacities, none of which falls in the category of “Rabbi” (my master), “Lord,” “Father,” or “Reverend.”

Who is the pastor of Kehilat T’nuvah?
In the Apostolic scriptures (New Testament), the pattern for the congregation is laid out. Here, the regular example is that of plural leadership, that is, one man is not designated as “the only pastor” or “the only leader.” In fact, Yeshua is the “Head Pastor” (chief shepherd, 1 Peter 5:4) of the congregation. The Staff, the Elders and the Board of Directors are the primary decision making teams who determine policy that affects the congregation while Senior Pastor Mark McLellan makes the final decisions regarding the governing of the congregation and implementation of the policy determined by the various leadership groups.

At Kehilat T’nuvah, are Jews more important than non-Jews?
Absolutely not. We also hope that we never give this impression in any way. All who have come to faith in Yeshua have been grafted in (the natural branches have been re-grafted, the wild branches have been grafted, Romans 11:11-24) and together may call Abraham their father (Romans 4:11). While there are cultural distinctions (there are both Jews and non-Jews in the body of Yeshua), as far as being saved or serving Yeshua is concerned “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there are neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua” (Gal. 3:28).

What does “Kehilat T’nuvah” mean?
“Kehilat” means “congregation.” “T’nuvah” means “harvest,” or, more specifically, “the cream of the crop!” By our Father’s grace, in Yeshua, we are all “the cream of the crop!”

Why do people follow the “food laws”?
In regards to the food laws serving as a biblical diet to help ensure our health and sanctification, we believe they are of utmost relevance to all people We therefore encourage everyone to prayerfully consider appropriating this diet into their lifestyle as the Holy Spirit leads them (Lev. 11; Deut. 14).