What does it mean to be Messianic?  How can someone lead a Messianic lifestyle? How will someone’s live change if they convert to Messianic Judaism? What types of foods to Messianics eat? What holidays and feasts to Messianics celebrate?

The Messianic Community

The beliefs of the Messianic community are widely varied, and this is due in part by the lack of unity and consistency of doctrine from one congregation to the next. Because of this wide variation, to describe the beliefs and observances of the Messianic community is a difficult task. Messianic believers often feel that the Christian church has deviated far from the roots of the Bible and have incorporated various pagan rituals and practices into their worship, and the truth and biblical-based focus of the Messianic community is appealing.

Messianic Jews are Jewish people who believe that Yeshua of Nazareth is the Messiah, while maintaining their Jewish identity and culture. The Messianic community varies in different styles of observance and beliefs; some observe the laws of Moses, some keep the Kosher dietary laws, and some keep more traditional customs such as wearing tsitsit and a kippot. Typically, however, most Messianic Jews do not lead an Orthodox lifestyle.

Most Messianics observe the Jewish Feast days, usually with Yeshua as the focal point of their celebrations. The Messianic Jewish feasts are described by God in the Torah as His Appointed Times. Messianic Jews that were raised in a strong Jewish home will often continue many Jewish traditions, including music, dance, foods and holiday customs.

Common Hebrew Phrases

Shalom – Meaning “Peace", it’s commonly used to mean "hello" or "goodbye."

Shabbat Shalom – Meaning "Sabbath peace", it’s commonly used anytime during the Sabbath. Appropriate any time on shabbat, particularly at the commencement of the Shabbat service.

Mazel Tov – Meaning "Good luck", it’s commonly used to express one’s congratulations. This phrase is a typical response when someone has gotten married, had a child, or completed their Bar Mitzvah, and express good fortune with an activity previously performed, not in the future.

L’Chayim – Meaning"To life", it’s commonly used to toast before drinking wine or champagne, similar to saying "Cheers!”